Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Ecosystem Services, Sustainable Development Goals, and Need to Focus on Circular Economy and Policy Interventions

Summary

This review synthesises current evidence on plastic pollution in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, examining how plastic accumulation impacts natural systems and links to sustainable development goals. The authors evaluate policy interventions, circular economy approaches, and life cycle assessment methodologies across multiple countries, emphasising community engagement, public awareness campaigns, and the need for innovations in plastic reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery. The paper identifies knowledge gaps and recommends transdisciplinary policy approaches combining regulatory action, technological innovation, and behavioural change.

UK applicability

The review's findings on plastic ban policies, circular economy frameworks, and community-based waste management are directly applicable to UK policy development and implementation. However, the paper's global scope means specific data on UK plastic leakage rates, ecosystem impacts within UK waters and soils, and the effectiveness of UK-specific interventions would require complementary national-scale research.

Key measures

Global plastic production (370 million tons in 2019); recycling rates (9% recycled, 12% incinerated, remainder in environment/landfills); ecosystem impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics; alignment with sustainable development goals; effectiveness of plastic ban policies and community-based waste management

Outcomes reported

The review assessed the adverse effects of plastic pollution (microplastics and nanoplastics) on natural ecosystems and linked plastic waste management to sustainable development goals. The study synthesised current understanding of plastic pollution impacts and evaluated policy initiatives, life cycle assessment approaches, and circular economy strategies across different countries.

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