A Sea of Plastic: A 20-Year Review of the Plastic Pollution Crisis in the Colombian Caribbean.

Abstract

Plastics are integral to modern life and are ubiquitous across various environmental matrices. However, their widespread distribution has resulted in persistent contamination, now recognized as a critical environmental issue. Over time, this problem has intensified alongside the exponential increase in plastic production, leading to millions of tons being released into the environment via direct and indirect pathways. This accumulation poses significant risks to marine biota and ecosystem health. Despite ongoing mitigation efforts, projections indicate that plastic pollution will continue to rise in the coming years. The Colombian Caribbean, a region of high biodiversity and diverse industrial activities, has been notably affected by plastic contamination. This literature review aims to evaluate the reported concentrations of micro- and macroplastics in various environmental matrices within the Colombian Caribbean by systematically analyzing studies published over the past two decades. A total of 25 studies investigating plastic pollution in water, sediments, and marine organisms were examined. Additionally, this review evaluates the methodologies employed across these studies, revealing discrepancies in sampling protocols, laboratory analyses, and units of reporting. The lack of standardization in these aspects limits the comparability of results, underscoring the urgent need for harmonized methodologies. To enhance the reliability and comparability of future research on plastic pollution, this review proposes key measures for standardizing sampling techniques, analytical procedures, and data reporting. Furthermore, the promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations, policy development, and educational programs is recommended to address the growing plastic pollution problem in the Colombian Caribbean and mitigate its long-term environmental impacts.