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Accumulation of marine debris on an intertidal beach in an urban park (Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia)

Author: Tony R. Walker, Jon Grant, Marie-Claude Archambault
Year of Publication: 2006
Published: Water Quality Research Journal of Canada 41(3): 256-262

Abstract:
This study evaluated monthly accumulation rates and types of marine debris washed ashore at a recreational beach in Point Pleasant Park, Halifax Harbour, between April and September 2005. Black Rock Beach is 70 m long and a total of 2129 marine debris items were collected and sorted, representing a mean accumulation rate of 355 (±68 SE) items month-1. The total weight of debris items was only 10.8 kg (mean 2 kg ±0.4 SE), however eighty-six percent of this debris was plastic material. The types of litter found included: tampon applicators, condoms (i.e., sewage-related debris [SRD]); plastic fast food packaging, confectionary wrappers, Styrofoam fragments, plastic bottles and caps, items of clothing, soft drink cans, cigarettes and cigarette holders (i.e., recreational or land-based debris); packing bands, nylon rope and nets (i.e., shipping- or fishing-related debris). These items were generated by recreational use of the park (52%), sewage disposal (14%) and from shipping and fishing activities (7%). It is suggested that a significant reduction in marine debris at recreational beaches may arise by improving public awareness of the environmental and aesthetic impacts of marine litter and future improvements to the municipal sewage disposal system.

Keywords:
Nova Scotia, Marine debris, Plastic debris, Sewage disposal, Public beaches

Citation:
Walker, T.R., Grant, J., Archambault, M-C., 2006. Accumulation of marine debris on an intertidal beach in an urban park (Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia). Water Quality Research Journal of Canada 41(3): 256-262.

Link:
https://iwaponline.com/wqrj/article-abstract/41/3/256/39831

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A Canadian policy framework to mitigate plastic marine pollution

Author: Shauna Pettipas, Meagan Bernier, Tony R. Walker
Year of Publication: 2016
Published: Marine Policy 68: 117-122

Abstract:
Marine pollution from plastic debris is a global problem causing negative impacts in the marine environment. Plastic marine debris as a contaminant is increasing, especially in Canada. While the impacts of macroplastics are well known in the literature, there are relatively few policy studies related to mitigating microplastic toxicity in the environment. Despite overwhelming evidence of the threat of plastic in the marine environment, there remains inadequate or limited policies to address their mitigation, particularly microplastic debris. Existing policies for waste management, marine debris monitoring and awareness campaigns were evaluated from other jurisdictions. Policies and recommendations were developed for the Canadian context. Recommendations include improved practices for: (1) law and waste management strategies; (2) education, outreach and awareness; (3) source identification; and (4) increased monitoring and further research.

Keywords:
Plastic marine debris, Macro- and microplastic pollution, Waste management, Monitoring, Mitigation

Citation:
Pettipas, S., Bernier, M., Walker, T.R., 2016. A Canadian policy framework to mitigate plastic marine pollution. Marine Policy 68: 117-122. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2016.02.025.

Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X16300665

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International policies to reduce plastic marine pollution from single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads): A review

Author: Dirk Xanthos, Tony R. Walker
Year of Publication: 2017
Published: Marine Pollution Bulletin. 118(1-2): 17-26

Abstract:
Marine plastic pollution has been a growing concern for decades. Single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads) are a significant source of this pollution. Although research outlining environmental, social, and economic impacts of marine plastic pollution is growing, few studies have examined policy and legislative tools to reduce plastic pollution, particularly single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads). This paper reviews current international market-based strategies and policies to reduce plastic bags and microbeads. While policies to reduce microbeads began in 2014, interventions for plastic bags began much earlier in 1991. However, few studies have documented or measured the effectiveness of these reduction strategies. Recommendations to further reduce single-use plastic marine pollution include: (i) research to evaluate effectiveness of bans and levies to ensure policies are having positive impacts on marine environments; and (ii) education and outreach to reduce consumption of plastic bags and microbeads at source.

Keywords:
Single-use plastics, Microbeads, Plastic bags, Policies, Plastic marine pollution

Citation:
Xanthos, D., Walker, T.R., 2017. International policies to reduce plastic marine pollution from single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads): A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 118(1-2): 17-26. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.048.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301650

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A call for Canada to move toward zero plastic waste by reducing and recycling single-use plastics

Author: Tony R. Walker, Dirk Xanthos
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Resources, Conservation & Recycling 133: 99-10

Keywords:
Single-use plastics, Zero plastic waste, Circular economy, Bans

Citation:
Walker, T.R., Xanthos, D., 2018. A call for Canada to move toward zero plastic waste by reducing and recycling single-use plastics. Resources, Conservation & Recycling 133: 99-100. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.02.014.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344918300612

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Are exports of recyclables from developed to developing countries waste pollution transfer or part of the global circular economy?

Author: Zhe Liu, Michelle Adams, Tony R. Walker
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Resources, Conservation and Recycling 136: 22-23

Abstract:
CE has benefitted the global economy for years, including China. For example, developed countries benefitted from cost savings associated with exporting waste to China where there were less stringent Chinese environmental laws, but developed countries failed to incorporate true environmental costs. China also benefitted by importing recyclable waste to supplement its domestic manufacturing industries, yet imported plastic waste was considered inferior, and often unusable (i.e., generating more waste), compared to domestic waste by China’s manufacturing industries. In future, the key will be to establish fair-trading systems for waste reutilization across countries globally to reduce waste generation. Firstly, we argue that to reduce waste generation in developed countries, reduced consumption is imperative, since current per capita waste generation in developed countries is much higher than in developing countries. Developed countries, like Canada, need to adopt zero plastic waste strategies by reducing and recycling single-use plastics (Walker and Xanthos, 2018). Secondly, developed countries need to help developing countries deal with their environmental issues, caused by waste reutilization, by transferring waste management and recycling technologies, investing in R&D and training local employees to mitigate potential environmental risks. Thirdly, from a global perspective, implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems across developed and developing countries to help reshape and rebalance the global CE should be undertaken.

Keywords:
Circular economy (CE), Solid waste management, Waste recycling, Waste reutilization, Extended producer responsibility (EPR)

Citation:
Liu, Z., Adams, M., Walker, T.R., 2018. Are exports of recyclables from developed to developing countries waste pollution transfer or part of the global circular economy? Resources, Conservation and Recycling 136: 22-23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.04.005.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344918301368

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Reducing marine pollution from single-use plastics (SUPs): A review

Author: Riley E.J. Schnurr Vanessa Alboiu, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Roan A. Corbett, Meaghan E. Quanz, Karthikeshwar Sankar, Harveer S. Srain, Venukasan Thavarajah, Dirk Xanthos, Tony R. Walker
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Marine Pollution Bulletin 137: 157-171

Abstract:
Single-use plastics, or SUPs (plastic bags, microbeads, cutlery, straws and polystyrene) are substantial sources of plastic marine pollution, yet preventable via legislative and non-legislative interventions. Various international legislative strategies have been reported to address plastic marine pollution from plastic bags and microbeads, but these have since been accompanied by recent increasing public awareness triggered by international agencies and organizations. The Sixth International Marine Debris Conference highlighted increasing intervention strategies to mitigate SUP pollution. This study presents new multi-jurisdictional legislative interventions to reduce SUPs since 2017 and incorporates emergence of new non-legislative interventions to mitigate other types of SUPs at individual and private-sector levels that complement or influence legislative interventions. Further, effectiveness of SUP bag interventions (e.g., bans vs. levies) to help reduce SUP marine pollution are presented and range between 33 and 96% reduction in bag use.

Keywords:
Plastic marine pollution, Single-use plastics (SUPs), Polystyrene, Plastic straws, Plastic cutlery, Legislative and non-legislative interventions

Citation:
Schnurr, R.E.J., Alboiu, V., Chaudhary, M., Corbett, R.A., Quanz, M.E., Sankar, K., Srain, H.S., Thavarajah, V., Xanthos, D., Walker, T.R., 2018. Reducing marine pollution from single-use plastics (SUPs): A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin 137: 157-171. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.10.001.

Link:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X18307033

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Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution

Author: Samaneh Karbalaei, Parichehr Hanachi, Tony R. Walker, Matthew Cole
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(36): 36046–36063

Abstract:
The presence and accumulation of plastic and microplastic (MP) debris in the natural environment is of increasing concern and has become the focus of attention for many researchers. Plastic debris is a prolific, long-lived pollutant that is highly resistant to environmental degradation, readily adheres hydrophobic persistent organic pollutants and is linked to morbidity and mortality in numerous aquatic organisms. The prevalence of MPs within the natural environment is a symptom of continuous and rapid growth in synthetic plastic production and mismanagement of plastic waste. Many terrestrial and marine-based processes, including domestic and industrial drainage, maritime activities agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) effluent, contribute to MP pollution in aquatic environments. MPs have been identified in food consumed by human and in air samples, and exposure to MPs via ingestion or inhalation could lead to adverse human health effects. Regulations in many countries have already been established or will soon be implemented to reduce MPs in aquatic environments. This review focuses on the occurrence, sources, and transport of MPs in terrestrial and aquatic environments to highlight potential human health effects, and applicable regulations to mitigate impacts of MPs. This study also highlights the importance of personality traits and cognitive ability in reducing the entry of MPs into the environment.

Keywords:
Microplastics, Microfibers, Marine freshwater and terrestrial microplastics, Controlling sources of microplastics

Citation:
Karbalaei, S., Hanachi, P., Walker, T.R., Cole, M., 2018. Occurrence, sources, human health impacts and mitigation of microplastic pollution. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25(36): 36046–36063. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s1135.

Link:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-018-3508-7

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China’s ban on imported plastic waste could be a game changer (online). China’s ban could curb plastic waste (print)

Author: Tony R. Walker
Year of Publication: 2018
Published: Nature 553(7689)

Abstract:
China’s ban on imports of recycled plastic from developed countries takes effect this month. It could be a game changer if it weans us off plastic and forces us to seek sustainable alternatives. With no suitable strategies in place for dealing with this extra unexpected plastic, countries must quickly devise and implement alternative waste-management solutions (see also C. M. Rochman et al. Nature 494, 169–171; 2013). Many jurisdictions have legislation that prohibits dumping of plastic waste into landfill. And stockpiling plastic refuse is ill-advised, given the fire risk at storage sites (see, for example, go.nature.com/2dh3mbg). Moves to change consumer behaviour and implement strategies to cut plastic usage are gaining momentum. International policies and financial disincentives to curb the proliferation of single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads) are already showing positive results (D. Xanthos and T. R. Walker Mar. Pollut. Bull. 118, 17–26; 2017). These should be extended to include a ban on other items such as plastic drinking straws, and by widely introducing deposit-and-return schemes for plastic bottles.

Keywords:
China, Imported plastic waste, Ban

Citation:
Walker, T.R., 2018. China’s ban on imported plastic waste could be a game changer (online). China’s ban could curb plastic waste (print). Nature 553(7689): 405-405. DOI: 10.1038/d41586-018-00933-6.

Link:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-00933-6

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Should Canada’s foreign aid policy help address the environmental impact of single-use plastics?

Author: Riley E.J. Schnurr, Tony R. Walker
Year of Publication: 2019
Published: Proceedings of the Nova Scotia Institute of Science 50(1): 35-39

Abstract:
The international community, including those from governments to environmental non-governmental organizations and from individuals to corporations have been inundated recently with talk about the environmental impacts of single-use plastics (SUPs) – especially plastic shopping bags and straws (Schnurr and Walker 2018). In Nova Scotia, marine debris collected as part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup included SUP items such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottle caps, straws/stirrers, and plastic beverage bottles. which broadly mirror those across the rest of Canada. In addition, there were plastic fishing ropes and strapping bands (Pettipas et al. 2016). Microplastic fibers have also been found in intertidal sediments and blue mussels in Halifax Harbour (Mathalon and Hill 2014), and in most seawater grab samples collected in an ongoing study near Lunenburg (CBC News 2018). Canada’s Presidency at the 2018 G7 in Charlevoix had reducing marine plastic pollution, as one (of five) themes in “Working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy” (Government of Canada 2018; Ocean Plastics Charter 2018). After the June G7 meeting, all but two G7 leaders (including the European Union as one whole) committed to, among other announcements, an Ocean Plastics Charter (Japan and the US did not sign on, albeit for vastly different reasons) (Ocean Plastics Charter 2018). In democratic and bureaucratic fashion, the Plastics Charter contains five working areas, each with between two and six commitment actions. All are geared towards “[taking] action toward a resource-efficient lifecycle management approach to plastics in the economy” (Ocean Plastics Charter 2018). The plan is to move towards zero plastic waste, by reducing and recycling SUPs (Walker and Xanthos 2018). This is an are the most vulnerable (these two groups are often not the same). Environment Minister Catherine McKenna was optimistic the Ocean Plastics Charter could be a ‘Paris Agreement for plastics’. The Canadian leadership has spoken and has latched onto plastics as the eco-campaign of 2018. Now Canada needs to walk the talk.

Keywords:
Single-use plastics, Canada, Environmental impact

Citation:
Schnurr, R.E.J., Walker, T.R., 2019. Should Canada’s foreign aid policy help address the environmental impact of single-use plastics?: A commentary. Proceedings of the Nova Scotia Institute of Science 50(1): 35-39.

Link:
https://ojs.library.dal.ca/nsis/article/view/nsis50-1schnurr%2Cwalker