Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life, human health, and the climate.
To tackle this problem, many innovative clean-up technologies have been developed and deployed, such as floating booms, nets, drones, and robots.
However, a recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology warns that some of these technologies may have unintended negative consequences for the environment and society.
The study calls for a more holistic and precautionary approach to plastic clean-up, and urges for the regulation of such technologies within the framework of an international plastics treaty.
The risks and limitations of clean-up technologies
Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
The study, led by researchers from the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), brought together a group of stakeholders from different sectors and perspectives to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of various clean-up technologies.
The participants included representatives from academia, industry, civil society, and policy.
The study used a participatory method called Q methodology to elicit and analyze the views of the stakeholders on clean-up technologies.
The results revealed that there was a general agreement among the participants that clean-up technologies are not a silver bullet to solve the plastic crisis, and that they should be used as a complement to prevention and reduction measures.
However, there were also divergent opinions on the effectiveness, feasibility, and desirability of different types of clean-up technologies.
Some of the main risks and limitations identified by the participants were:
Ecological impacts
Clean-up technologies may harm or disturb marine organisms and ecosystems, especially if they are not designed or operated with care.
For example, dragging a net across the ocean surface may capture not only plastics, but also fish, turtles, birds, and plankton.
Moreover, some clean-up technologies may generate additional pollution or emissions, such as noise, chemicals, or greenhouse gases.
Social impacts
Clean-up technologies may affect the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities, especially in developing countries where waste management systems are inadequate or absent.
For example, some clean-up technologies may compete with or displace local waste pickers who rely on collecting and selling plastic waste for income.
Moreover, some clean-up technologies may create a false sense of security or responsibility among consumers and producers, leading to increased plastic consumption or production.
Economic impacts
Clean-up technologies may entail high costs and low returns, especially in remote or inaccessible areas where plastic pollution is dispersed or embedded.
For example, some clean-up technologies may require expensive equipment, maintenance, transportation, or disposal.
Moreover, some clean-up technologies may face legal or logistical barriers to operate across national boundaries or jurisdictions.
The study concluded that clean-up technologies should be regulated within the framework of an international plastics treaty to ensure that they are safe, effective, and equitable.
The treaty should set clear standards and criteria for the design, operation, monitoring, and evaluation of clean-up technologies and should also promote cooperation and coordination among different stakeholders and sectors involved in plastic clean-up.
According to the study, clean-up technologies should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the local context and conditions.
They should also should be prioritized for areas that are highly polluted and easily accessible, such as shorelines or river mouths and integrated with other solutions, such as waste management systems, recycling facilities, or circular economy models.
The study emphasized that clean-up technologies are not a substitute for prevention and reduction measures at the source of plastic pollution.
Researchers argued that the ultimate goal should be to eliminate the need for clean-up by phasing out unnecessary and problematic plastics from production and consumption.
The study hopes to stimulate a constructive dialogue among different stakeholders on how to best address the plastic pollution problem in a holistic and precautionary way.
However, more research and innovation on clean-up technologies that are truly beneficial for the environment and society are needed.
