Baseline Study on Microplastics in ASEAN

Summary

The ASEAN region has among the highest concentrations of plastic litter globally. The knowledge on microplastic pollution in that region is still limited and needs further investigation for policy implementation. To support the implementation of the Regional Action Plan for combatting marine debris, the proposed Regional ASEAN Baseline Study on Microplastics is intended as a summary report that examines existing studies, sources, knowledge gaps, projects and policies that pertain to microplastics in the ASEAN region. Microplastic pollution is unequally investigated among the 10 countries of the region, constituting a first major knowledge gap. In addition, studies often focused on the same environments or matrices, i.e. marine and freshwaters, beach sediment and marine organisms (mostly fish). Microplastic contamination in top predators, air, river sediment, terrestrial ecosystems (including organisms), and wastewater treatment plants are largely unknown. Modeling and experimental studies are also lacking, resulting in a lack of knowledge on the fate and impacts of microplastic contamination on species and ecosystems. These fields need to be further investigated to implement relevant and efficient mitigation measures.