Microplastics and associated contaminants in the South Pacific, Fiji Islands: sources, fate and possible human health implications

The term 'microplastic' has gained significant attention as an environmental concern due to its widespread presence across the Earth and the associated threats it poses. The extent of places that currently have the presence of MPs is a greater environmental concern. Developing countries such as Fiji are facing both aspect of plastic litter issues which are needed to access proper waste collection infrastructures and the natural impact of weathering that increases the volume of plastics particle to access the environment which increases the accumulation of MPs in different ecological system. This research will address such gaps by addressing the baseline scenario of MP occurrence and distribution with its greater source and demonstrates the fates of these debris to the environment and its linking factors to human. The overarching aim of the research is to investigate and assess the source of microplastic pollution in selected aquatic locations in Fiji and to determine possible implications to the environment and human health system. This is encapsulated to proposed objectives which are: Determining the occurrence and distribution of microplastic in Fiji environment and various sources. Understand the wastewater treatment plants as a potential source for microplastics to the marine environment and Assessment of dietary driven microplastics on pacific people health. The research coincides with the commitment and objectives of Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) on environment protection and economic development focusing on the presence of MP in marine and fresh water sources from mainland.