BRIDGING SCIENCE AND POLICY: THE CLEAN FRAMEWORK FOR SYSTEMS-LEVEL MICROPLASTICS MITIGATION WITHIN THE ONE HEALTH APPROACH

Abstract

Microplastics are increasingly recognized as pervasive pollutants with adverse impacts on ecosystems, animal health, and human well-being. Despite growing evidence of their prevalence and toxicity, existing mitigation strategies remain fragmented, reactive, and sector-specific. This paper introduces the CLEAN framework, Cut, Lock, Extract, Amend, and Network, as an OSH-inspired One Health approach to systematically address the global microplastics crisis. The framework emphasizes source reduction through sustainable production and circular economy practices (Cut), containment and filtration measures across industrial and environmental pathways (Lock), removal of legacy contamination from soils, sediments, and aquatic systems (Extract), ecosystem restoration and remediation through habitat protection and soil–water amendments (Amend), and cross-sectoral collaboration and policy alignment that integrates community action with global governance (Network). The CLEAN framework is grounded in the principles of systems thinking, recognizing that microplastic pollution arises not from isolated sources but from a web of interrelated human, environmental, and industrial activities. Cut calls for upstream interventions, such as redesigning materials, reducing plastic dependency, and incentivizing biodegradable alternatives to prevent microplastics at the source. Lock involves midstream solutions like installing advanced filtration in wastewater treatment plants, stormwater systems, and industrial effluents to prevent microplastics from entering ecosystems. Extract targets downstream interventions by deploying technologies such as sediment dredging, bioremediation, and magnetic separation to remove accumulated microplastics from the environment. Amend focuses on rebuilding ecological resilience through techniques like phytoremediation, soil conditioning, and restoration of wetlands and riparian zones. Finally, Network underscores the importance of harmonizing regulations, aligning research agendas, mobilizing community awareness, and fostering public–private partnerships for long-term systemic change. Importantly, the CLEAN framework aligns with the One Health paradigm, which recognizes that the health of people, animals, and ecosystems is interconnected. By integrating insights from environmental monitoring, toxicology, epidemiology, and policy analysis, the framework provides a comprehensive, evidence-informed pathway to reduce the burden of microplastic pollution across multiple levels of society. It not only supports scientific advancement but also promotes practical interventions that can be scaled and adapted globally. As global plastic production continues to rise, and microplastics are detected in everything from ocean plankton to human blood, the need for a coordinated, proactive response has never been more urgent. The CLEAN framework offers a structured roadmap for stakeholders—scientists, policymakers, industries, and communities—to act cohesively, transforming fragmented efforts into a unified global strategy for mitigating microplastic pollution and safeguarding planetary health.