Marine pollution after the MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster: Societal impacts based on research outcomes
Amila Sandaruwan Ratnayake
Abstract
The occurrence and distribution of marine pollutants has been extensively investigated following the MV X-Press Pearl disaster in the Indian Ocean. Work by numerous researchers has provided the basis for determining environmental and pollution impacts in the Indian Ocean. Accordingly, this article presents social impacts based on the outcomes from recent research findings published in conventional journal articles, and refers to an ongoing research project examining plastic/microplastic pollution in Sri Lanka. The main social impacts can be summarized as: (i) knowledge transfer to the public via expert judgments, (ii) awareness in the community, and (iii) policy changes. Awareness and policy changes can gradually increase positive benefits such as improved plastic waste management, abating plastic usage, plastic recycling, and revising existing regulations where relevant.