Plastic Emissions: From Sources to a Plastic Pollution Equivalent

The history of plastics is still quite young compared to other material groups. Nevertheless, we are observing considerable accumulation in the environment, both in the form of littered plastic products (macroplastics) and as small plastic fragments or particles (microplastics). This chapter begins with a historical overview of the issue of plastics emissions and a generic description of the architecture of the environmental problem associated with plastic emissions. Based on this, important key terms such as micro-and macroplastics and primary and secondary plastic emissions are defined and distinguished from each other. Subsequently, the very different mechanisms of release are discussed and explained using examples. Typical intervention options are assigned to the release mechanisms, which provide initial indications of measures to reduce plastic emissions. Finally, we present methods for quantifying plastic emissions and the current state of knowledge at the global level and for selected countries.