Plastics in the global environment assessed through material flow analysis, degradation and environmental transportation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162644
• Publication Date: 2023-03-07T00:46:53Z
• Authors: A.E. Schwarz; S.M.C. Lensen; E. Langeveld; L.A. Parker; J.H. Urbanus
• Keywords: Material flow analysis; Plastic pollution

Knowledge on environmental plastic emission and spatial temporal accumulation is vital for the development of successful mitigation strategies risk assessments plastics. In this study, emissions both micro macro from value chain to environment were assessed a global level through mass flow analysis (MFA). All countries, 10 sectors, 8 polymers 7 compartments (terrestrial, freshwater or oceanic) are distinguished in model. The results assess loss 0.8 million tonnes (mt) microplastics 8.7 mt macroplastics 2017. This respectively 0.2 % 2.1 plastics produced same year. packaging sector contributed most macroplastic emissions, tyre wear microplastic emissions. With MFA results, accumulation, degradation transportation considered Accumulation dispersion model (ADM) until 2050. predicts macro- 2.2 gigatonnes (Gt) 3.1 Gt 2050 (scenario: yearly consumption increase 4 %). will be 30 less when production reduction 1 modeled 1.5 2.3 respectively. Almost 2.15 accumulate with zero after 2022 due leakage landfills processes. Results compared other modeling studies quantifying environment. current study lower ocean higher surface waters like lakes rivers. Non aquatic, terrestrial observed emitted approach used flexible adaptable that addresses over time space, detail country compartments.