Microplastic Contamination and Extraction Methods in East Asia: Implications for Marine Ecosystems and Mitigation Strategies

Plastic global production increased from 1.7 million tons in the 1950s to 335 million tons in 2016, and trends based on production, demographics, and consumer use patterns suggest an increase in plastic use in the future. East Asia contributes significantly to the accumulation of microplastics in marine environments due to its rapid industrialization, urbanization, and dense population. Research in this region has associated microplastics with environmental, ecological, and human health impacts. Albeit this existing research, it is vital to review the regional and species differences in microplastics (MPs) biocontamination reagents and discuss handling MPs separation with a focus on organisms. Highlighting these methodological issues as the research progresses can provide a better understanding to overcome these challenges in the region. It is also essential to discuss the regulatory landscape and mitigation strategies implemented and discuss future directions in MPs research. Addressing MPs environmental and ecological impacts in East Asia will require a multifaceted approach. It involves strengthening of regional research on the mechanisms, monitoring, prevention, and control of plastic waste and MPs pollution in marine environments and assessing their ecological and environmental impact and risks to human health. In order to do this, international and regional cooperation is needed, as well as the involvement of governments, non-government organizations, industries, academia, and society.