Exploring how municipalities address microplastics pollution in stormwater – a case study in a Swedish municipality

Bibliographic Data

ID21599736
AuthorsEmma Fältström (0000-0003-4207-2005, Linköping University, corresponding author), Annica Carlsson (0000-0002-3029-4308, Linköping University)
Year2025
Volume68
Issue9
Pages2146-2164
Publication date2025-07-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Environmental Planning and Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0964-0568 • E-ISSN: 1360-0559
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09640568.2024.2311129
OpenAlexW4391682534
LanguageEN
References cited42

This article investigates how municipalities have addressed the microplastics issue in relation to stormwater.Municipal officials in a Swedish municipality with different roles in relation to microplastics in stormwater and project managers with responsibility for plans and strategies related to microplastics were interviewed.Most measures had been introduced to limit dispersal of infill from artificial turfs, followed by measures against plastic litter.Despite the issue being prioritised by the governing politicians, and formalised in a plan, lack of resources was still a challenge to the implementation of more measures.This study gives insights into how a municipality handles a pollutant that is not subject to strict regulations.The results can be used to inform future policy for, and management of, microplastics as well as other contaminants of emerging concern, especially concerning the type of guidance needed by an actor group responsible for implementing measures

Business · Environmental planning · Environmental protection · Environmental resource management · Geography · Microplastics · Stormwater · Stormwater management · Surface runoff · Environmental Science · Microplastics and Plastic Pollution · Municipal Solid Waste Management · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques · Ecology · Pollution

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Open DOIOpen Access