New publication: ‘Protection over restoration to ensure water sustainability’

MAK’IT fellows Filomena Silva, Patrick Allard and Ramia Al Bakain published an article in the journal Communications Earth & Environment entitled “Protection over restoration to ensure water sustainability“. Micro- and nanoplastic pollution, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution and the use of wastewater in agriculture are three major water pollution issues examined in the article. Our former MAK’IT fellows wrote the article with some speakers from the Human Impact on Water Management and Pollution conference in Montpellier last April where participants were able to exchange ideas, identify innovative solutions, and pave the way towards a more sustainable future through an interdisciplinary approach.

Negotiations in Ottawa in April marked a crucial step towards the adoption of a legally binding global treaty to reduce plastic pollution, although disagreements remain, particularly over the need to reduce plastic production.

“Elimination and reduction of plastic use is the only truly sustainable intervention and should be heavily prioritized over recycling, composting, or other environmental biodegradation strategies.”

The academic article underscores the importance of prioritizing pollution prevention and developing strategies for the degradation and removal of contaminants already present in the environment. The current treatment levels are insufficient for the removal of microcontaminants and contaminants of emerging concern, including endocrine disruptors and PFAS.

The researchers also call for more comprehensive data collection, better communication with the public and policymakers, and strengthened regulations to close existing gaps, including in the 2021 EU Action Plan: ‘Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil’.