The Problem of Microplastics and Regulatory Strategies in Italy

The term “microplastics” was first used in 2004 to describe very small fragments of plastic (~50 μm) in the water column and in sediments. In 2009, Arthur et al. (Proceedings of the International Research Workshop on the Occurrence, Effects and Fate of Microplastic Marine Debris, Sep 9–11, 2008. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS-OR&R-30. 49 p, 2009) proposed that microplastics should include all fragments <5 mm. Over the past decade, microplastic debris in both marine and freshwater systems has become an emerging environmental issue. Currently, the topic of microplastics is regulated at the European level only in the marine environment with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), ignoring that a very high percentage of microplastics that reach the sea come from inland waters and are closely connected with consumption styles. Recently, the Italian Parliament has adopted a proposal of the Italian NGO Marevivo to forbid microbeads scrub particles in cosmetics as of 2020. In addition, Italy has been the first country in the world to ban plastic non-biodegradable cotton buds as of 1 January 2019. In this way, the excellence of the Italian cosmetic industry focuses on the environment and on sustainability: an example that we hope will be emulated in other sectors. Although 70–95% of the marine litter, including microplastics, comes from the land environment, studies of microplastics in freshwater systems are limited in comparison to those focused on marine habitats. Rivers and inland waters are responsible for microplastics transport to marine habitats and could represent a vector for the downstream transport of pollutants suggesting an overlooked and potentially significant component of the global microplastics life cycle. In this frame, the MICROPLASMA (MIcro and maCRO PLAStic pollution Monitoring with Advanced technologies) research project funded by Apulia region aims to set up an integrated and innovative monitoring system along an urban river located in South Italy focusing on the seasonal and spatial trends of plastic wastes.