Macroplastics in the Saigon - Dong Nai estuary and solutions for managing plastic waste

Abstract

    Rivers are a major pathway for plastic transport into the seas and plastic waste is often concentrated in the estuary. This region frequently experiences high population density and robust urbanization, which increases the generation of plastic waste. This research aimed to analyze macroplastic (> 5 mm) in the Saigon-Dong Nai estuary, investigating mass characteristics, the number of plastic fragments, and concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Zn, Cd). This study employed various methods, including sampling and analyzing macroplastic characteristics, measuring heavy metal concentrations, and conducting statistical analyses. The results of the study showed that there was plastic waste at all six sites, with an average value of 5.29 mg/m³, plastic waste contained zinc, chromium, and lead; the zinc content had the highest value, reaching 50.7 mg/kg; followed by chromium and lead with values of 14.1 mg/kg and 9.8 mg/kg, respectively. Several solutions to manage plastic waste in the Saigon - Dong Nai estuary area have been proposed, including: Collection of plastic waste arising from aquaculture and fishing activities (oyster and clam farms), salt fields, residential areas; reduce single-use plastics, increase recycling and reuse of plastic waste; periodically implement campaigns to clean up plastic waste generated in the area; prevent plastic waste arising from tourist resorts, riverside motels in the area, plastic waste from entertainment activities on the beach, towards the development of plastic wastefree tourism; effectively apply plastic waste management tools (environmental law and policy, economic policy , instruments for plastic waste, technology solutions and education) nationwide.

instruments for plastic waste, technology solutions and education) nationwide.