Present Status of Microplastic Pollution Research Data in Sri Lanka and Microplastic Risk Mitigation Solutions; Lessons from a Global Policy Context

Authors

  • M.M.J.G.C.N. Jayasiri Postgradutae Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Galaha Road, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
  • Pradeep Gajanayake Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Pitipana, Homagama, Sri Lanka
  • Sajani H. Kolambage Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
  • Dasuni T. Bandaranayaka Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Pitipana, Homagama, Sri Lanka
  • Anushi Wijethunga Department of Plant, Food and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, B2N 5E3, Canada
  • Danushika C. Manatunga Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Pitipana, Homagama, Sri Lanka
  • Amila Abeynayaka Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Hayama 240-0115, Kanagawa, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31357/ait.v3i2.7337

Keywords:

emerging contaminant, microplastic, microplastic impact, mitigation, policy

Abstract

The emergence of microplastics (MP) as a pollutant in natural environments including aquatics has been increasingly recognized worldwide. This review focuses on the status of MP pollution research in Sri Lanka, and MP risk mitigation solutions, as lessons from a global MP policy context. The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review divided into three main sections: 1) a simple understanding of the plastic cycle and risk factors,
2) a comprehensive review of MP pollution research trends in Sri Lanka, 3) a comprehension of global trends of MP regulation policies and adaptable solutions for national scale. There was less attention given to MP research in Sri Lanka, until the recent X-Press Pearl disastrous incident. In addition to that, we highlight the less attention paid to MP pollution in inland waters and lands compared to marine. Considering the widespread MP issue, the paper highlights the importance of a policy approach for MP pollution control. Finally, the paper discusses the future directions for MP pollution research in Sri Lanka and emphasizes the need for more detailed quantitative data for effective policy formulation. The overall study presents a sound case for understanding a national context in MP pollution and suggesting necessary policy instruments in pollution regulation.

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Published

2024-04-06

How to Cite

M.M.J.G.C.N. Jayasiri, Pradeep Gajanayake, Sajani H. Kolambage, Dasuni T. Bandaranayaka, Anushi Wijethunga, Danushika C. Manatunga, & Amila Abeynayaka. (2024). Present Status of Microplastic Pollution Research Data in Sri Lanka and Microplastic Risk Mitigation Solutions; Lessons from a Global Policy Context. Advances in Technology, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.31357/ait.v3i2.7337

Issue

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2023)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 M.M.J.G.C.N. Jayasiri, Pradeep Gajanayake, Sajani H. Kolambage, Dasuni T. Bandaranayaka, Anushi Wijethunga, Danushika C. Manatunga, Amila Abeynayaka

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