CANBERRA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- An Australian scientist warns current efforts fall short against rising micro- and nanoplastics, urging stronger global controls before key United Nations treaty talks.
A policy submission by Australia's Flinders University Associate Professor Melanie MacGregor and the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, urges stronger industry oversight to curb intentional and accidental releases of plastic particles and chemicals throughout the entire plastic lifecycle.
According to a statement of Flinders University on Tuesday, rising plastic consumption fuels concern ahead of the final UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee treaty talks in Geneva from Aug. 5 to 14.
The talks are aimed at establishing an effective global agreement to manage plastic production and waste, as global plastic production is set to double by 2050, with under 10 percent currently recycled, it said.
Flinders University research reveals widespread microplastic fibers, fragments, and beads in South Australia's freshwater and marine waterways.
Scientists are raising urgent concerns about the widespread release of micro- and nanoplastics, along with harmful chemicals, into land, sea and air, threatening ecosystems and human health globally, the statement said.
Nanoplastics and microplastics under 5mm carry harmful chemicals that contaminate environments and human tissues.
"Tougher measures should be taken to reduce the release of greenhouse gas emissions, chemicals and pollutants such as (plastics-emitted) volatile organic compounds and micro- and nanoplastics to the environment, food chain and living organisms," said MacGregor, who is a member of the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty. ■
