Microplastics in ASEAN region countries: A review on current status and perspectives

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2022-11, Vol.184, p.114118-114118, Article 114118
• Main Authors: Gabisa, Elias W., Gheewala, Shabbir H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abundance; ASEAN region; Environmental impact; Microplastics; Review
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114118

A literature assessment was conducted to determine the current state of microplastics research in ASEAN countries focusing on 1) microplastics in water, sediment, and water organisms; 2) microplastics' sources and dispersion; and 3) microplastics' environmental consequences, including human toxicity. ASEAN countries contributed only about 5 % of the global scholarly papers on microplastics, with Indonesia contributing the most followed by Malaysia and Thailand. The lack of standard harmonized sampling and processing methodologies made comparisons between research difficult. ASEAN contributes the most to plastic trash ending up in the ocean, indicating a need for more work in this region to prevent plastic pollution. Microplastics are found in every environmental compartment; however, their distribution and environmental consequences have not been sufficiently investigated. There are very few studies on microplastics in the human blood system as well as respiratory organs like the lungs, indicating that more research is needed. •Studies in ASEAN on microplastics in sediment, water and organism has been reviewed.•Rising consumption and irresponsible handling of plastics may endanger ASEAN.•ASEAN contributes much to ocean plastic waste but has few scientific contributions.•To eliminate mismatch and discrepancies, harmonized procedures must be implemented.•Microplastics are affecting carbon cycle, greenhouse gas emission and carbon stock.