Development of Microplastic Research in ASEAN

Abstract

Microplastic research is currently an exciting trend along with global environmental problems. The purpose of this study is to review the development of microplastic research in ASEAN. The researc uses a systematic review method by searching for the keyword “microplastic” and the name of the ASEAN country on the Google Scholar website, Science Direct, and other research paper provider websites. Papers reviewed in 2018 to August 2021 period were then classified based on the components analyzed. The results showed that based on the research location category, the majority of microplastic research was carried out in Vietnam (12/50 articles). The category of research object focused on marine organisms more than terrestrial organisms, the category of microplastic concentration varied because the microplastic sampling method was not standardized, the category of microplastic form dominated by the form of fiber; commonly found in coastal areas. The socio-economic category is not much related to the circular economy. To conclude, microplastic research still has opportunities, especially from a socio-economic perspective.