Microplastic Pollution - 2020s

Microplastic Pollution - 2020s

In the 2020s, more than 5,000 microplastics per cubic meter were detected in rivers flowing into Tokyo Bay and Osaka Bay. These are caused by plastic products such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which enter rivers through domestic and industrial wastewater. In the Arakawa and Tama Rivers, wastewater from manufacturers of daily necessities and clothing is the main cause. In particular, polyester and nylon clothing sold by UNIQLO releases thousands of plastic fibers each time it is washed, contributing to river pollution. In the Seto Inland Sea, more than 30% of fish and shellfish ingest microplastics, seriously affecting the marine ecosystem. Businesses and governments are working to reduce plastic waste in accordance with the Law for Promotion of Plastic Resource Recycling, which will take effect in 2021, but a complete solution has yet to be reached.