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Training Needs Assessment Report (TNA):
Towards Microplastic Monitoring and Evidence-Based Policy Measures in Sri Lanka
Authors
IGES Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental Technologies (CCET), Institute for
Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan
Amila Abeynayaka
Premakumara Jagath Dikella Gamaralalage
Joint Research Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC), Sri Lanka
Madhubashini Makehelwala (Principal Investigator)
Sujithra Kaushalya Weragoda
National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Sri Lanka
Lakmal Jayarathne
University of Peradeniya (UOP), Sri Lanka
Mallika Pinnawala
Avanthi Deshani Igalavithana
Chamil Perera
Contributors
Anurudda Karunarathna, Saman Dharmakeerthi - University of Peradeniya (UOP), Sri Lanka.
Miki Inoue - Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), Japan.
Reviewers
Win Cowger, - Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, USA
Motomichi Oono, Naoko Yoshizato, and Ayako Inoue, - IDEA Consultants Inc., Japan
Thuy-Chung Kieu-Le, - Ho Chi Minh University of Technology (HCMUT), Vietnam
Thomas Maes, - GRID-Arendal, Norway
Rohan Weerasooriya, - National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), Sri Lanka
How to Cite:
Abeynayaka, A., Gamaralalage, P. J. D., Weragda, S. K., Jayarathne, L., Pinnawala, M., Igalavithana, A. D., Perera, C.
(2022). Training Needs Assessment Report (TNA) Report: Towards Microplastic Monitoring and Evidence-Based
Policy Measures in Sri Lanka. Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). November 2022. Hayama.
Available at: https://www.iges.or.jp/en/pub/tna-Sri-Lanka/en
I
ABBREVIATIONS
CCET IGES Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental Technologies
EU European Union
FGD Focus Group Discussion
IGES Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
JRDC Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology
KII Key Informant Interview
MOWS Ministry of Water Supply
NIFS National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka
NWSDB National Waste Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka
TNA Training Need Assessment
UOP University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
WHO World Health Organization
WSP Water Safety Plans
WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plants
II
CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS
CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Plastic pollution and microplastics
1.2. Microplastic data and evidence-based policy
1.3. Methods and facilities
1.4. Sri Lanka: the way forward on microplastic monitoring and
evidence-based policymaking
2. AIMS, OBJECTIVES, AND SCOPE
2.1. Aims
2.2. Objectives
2.3. Scope
3. METHODOLOGY
3.1. Research approach
3.2. The research context and sample
3.3. Method of data collection
3.4. Data analysis
3.5. Limitations of the study and overcoming the limitations
4. INFORMATION ANALYSIS
4.1. Compilation
4.2. Analysis
4.3. National validation
4.4.Expertinterviewsandeldvisits
5. SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
5.1. General/Social
5.1.1. Awareness of plastics (Opinions on plastic
pollution and microplastics)
5.1.2. Attitude of respondents on microplastics
monitoring in Sri Lanka
5.1.3. Microplastics-related activities
5.1.3.1. Microplastics-related activities within organizations
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III
5.1.3.2. Current status of locally and internationally published
research papers on microplastics pollution
5.1.3.3. Fields of microplastics dealing with measuring or study
in Sri Lankan institutions working on water supply,
agriculture, waste management, and pollution
monitoring
5.2. Technical
5.2.1. Sampling
5.2.2. Laboratory analysis of samples for polymers
5.2.3. Field observations
6. GAPS AND CAPACITIES IDENTIFIED
6.1. Awareness of microplastics
6.2. Knowledge/skills and infrastructure/facilities
for microplastics monitoring
7. PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
7.1. Awareness and Education
7.1.1. Foundation course
7.1.2.Advancecourse:technicalstainthefullmonitoringchain
7.2. Resources (sampling equipment and analytical equipment)
7.2.1. Apparatus and materials for water analysis
(saline and freshwater)
7.2.2. Apparatus and materials for beach sand analysis
7.2.3. Apparatus and materials for bed sediment analysis
7.3. Pre-planning, implementation, and operation program
7.3.1.Roleidentication
7.3.2. Clustering
7.3.3.Samplingandanalysischainsidentication
and arrangement
8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1. Conclusions
8.2. Proposed Framework of the Curriculum
9. REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
Annexure 1: Questionnaire
Annexure 2: Map of the Research Area
Annexure 3: Working Group
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IV
LIST OF TABLES
Table1:Potentialhumanhealtheectsduetoexposuretoplastic-associatedchemicals.
Table 2: Features of commonly used microplastic analytical equipment
Table 3: Foundation course module
Table 4: Advanced course module
Table 5: Analytical equipment
Table 6: Apparatus for water analysis
Table 7: Apparatus for sand sample analysis
Table 8: Apparatus for bed sediment analysis
Table 9: Postions and roles
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure1:Characteristicsforcategorizingplasticdebris:a)size-basedclassication,b)
morphology-basedclassicationofmicroplastics;c)primaryandsecondary
microplastic sources
Figure2:Source,fate,exposureandeectsofmicroplastics
Figure 3: Potential tiered microplastic monitoring process
Figure 4: Basic microplastic sampling methods used in surface water and Wastewater
Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
Figure5:Typicalmicroplasticpuricationandanalysisprocessow
Figure 6: Geographical distribution of questionnaire respondents
Figure 7: Organizational roles of the respondents
Figure 8: Respondent institutions
Figure 9: Process of information analysis
Figure10:Discussionswithexpertsintheeld
Figure 11: Field photos: a) Water treatment plant intake, b) waste water treatment plant,
c) wastewater treatment plant strainers retain, sludge with visible meso- and
large-sized microplastics, and d) sludge drying facility
Figure 12: Presence of plastic in the natural environment
Figure 13: Basic awareness of the impacts of microplastics related to pollution
Figure 14: Basic awareness of human exposure to microplastics
Figure 15: Monitoring needs of microplastics in Sri Lanka
Figure16:Organizationalworkintheeldofmicroplasticsintheenvironment
Figure 17: Publications (international and national) related to microplastics-related
pollution published by the target population
Figure 18: Areas of measuring or studying in Sri Lankan institutions
Figure 19: Sampling activities
Figure 20: Sampling depth of water sampling
Figure 21: Locations of wastewater sampling
Figure 22: Locations of agriculture and food-related sampling
Figure 23: Techniques and Instruments used
Figure 24: Percentage of lab-owned equipment
Figure 25: Usage and ownership of equipment
Figure 26: Analysis of activities
Figure 27: Sieving of samples
Figure 28: Percentage performing digestion of samples
Figure 29: Percentage performing density separation of samples
Figure 30: Percentage re-using the density separation solution
Figure 31: Methods used to store analysis samples
Figure 32: Observed common urban water cycle in Sri Lanka
Figure 33: Conceptual model for capacity building
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INTRODUCTION
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Joint Research and Demonstration Center
for Water Technology (JRDC) under the Ministry
of Water Supply (MOWS), Sri Lanka and the IGES
Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental
Technologies (CCET), and the National Institute of
Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka (NIFS), University
of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (UoP) compiled a survey
report, “Training Needs Assessment (TNA): Towards
Microplastics Monitoring and Evidence-Based Policy
Measures”. The report assesses the level of public
awareness on microplastic pollution and related
hazards as well as the current status of microplastic
monitoring facilities available in Sri Lanka’s state
and private sector institutes, with an emphasis
on the public water supply chain and identifying
microplastic point sources upstream to ensure safe
drinking water. The survey results of this work provide
the essential rst step in formulating mitigation
programs to prevent aquatic microplastic pollution
and build human capacity in Sri Lanka. The TNA report
comprises four broad themes, namely, (1) Status of
public awareness on microplastics, (2) Engagement
level assessment on sampling, analysis, and research
publications related to microplastics, (3) Capacity
and gap assessment for determining the degree of
microplastic pollution, and (4) Recommendations
for achieving the required monitoring activities of
microplastics. The survey results of the TNA include
a nationwide data assessment.
This TNA project was governed by the principles of
participatory qualitative assessments and followed
the established steps, involving the identication
of problems and assessment of design needs,
collection and analysis of information, compilation of
a preliminary report reviewed by national, regional
and international peers, and data validation via
random stakeholder consultations and expert
reviews. Information compilation and analysis
followed a ve-step process and the existing
situation was evaluated against the desired situation.
Thecumulativetraininggapidenticationoutcomes
were presented at the national workshop for
validation and later revised accordingly. These were
presented to the thematic experts, from whom
the views and recommendations solicited were
incorporatedintotheidentiedtrainingneeds.The
keytrainingandfacilityneedsidentiedthroughthis
TNA are, a) Gaps in awareness on microplastic-related
pollutionandimpacts,whichmayleadtoinsucient
engagementofthepotentialstakeholdersidentied
inmonitoringandpolicymaking;b)Addressingsuch
awareness gaps through engaging stakeholders in
awareness programs; c) Institutionalization of any
program outcomes developed; d) Development of
organizational scope-related skills through training
programs; and e) Development of facilities and
formation of organized intra- and inter-organizational
systems to conduct the monitoring programs.
As a result of this TNA, the nal training needs
identiedwerecategorizedasknowledge,attitudes,
and skills and used as the basis for the module
development of each theme. The expressed
opinions and information collected during the TNA
didnot,intheir entirety, endupastrainingneeds;
instead, some were retained for incorporation into
recommendations for the planned future project
implementation.
INTRODUCTION
2
Plastic has become one of the materials we use
to maintain convenient and comfortable lifestyles.
Its low cost, convenience, and durability have led
to strong demand as well as an exclusively large
range of uses (Ryan, 2015). Historically, the annual
global production of plastics rose from 2 million
tons in 1950 to 381 million tons in 2015 (Geyer et
al., 2017) and reached a remarkably high level with
the COVID-19 pandemic (Adyel, 2020). Adding to this
demand are growing trends in takeaway food culture,
e-commerce and the ‘sachet economy’. However,
despite rising awareness of the environmental
consequencesofplasticpollutionfromthescientic
community, in the absence of any strict regulations,
irrational consumption and littering continue to
rise, resulting in severe damage to global aquatic
ecosystems (Alegado et al., 2021).
Based on size, plastics are categorized into
megaplastics (>1 m), macroplastics (1 m–25 mm),
mesoplastics (25–5 mm), microplastics (5 mm–1
μm), and nanoplastics (<1 μm) (g. 1a) (Cozzolino
et al., 2020; Hartmann et al., 2019). Microplastics
are divided into primary and secondary categories
based on their origin. Primary microplastics enter
the environment directly as microplastics, and
secondary microplastics result from the breakdown
of larger plastics in the environment (Rogers, 2022).
The primary microplastics include tire-wear
particles, fragmented road markings, synthetic
textile microbers from washing, micro-beads
from personal care products, and accidental pellet
releases (such as the M/V X-Press Pearl Nurdle
Spill in 2021] (de Vos et al., 2022), and secondary
microplastics such as decomposed plastic litter of
lessthan 5mmsize(g.1band1c).Environmental
degradation of plastic is governed by a synergic
eectofphoto-and thermo-oxidative degradation,
abrasion,andbiologicalaction(Chamasetal.,2020;
Thompson et al., 2009).
Microplastics released from sources (g. 1c) often
ow directly or indirectly into surrounding aquatic
environments (e.g., rivers, lakes, estuaries) and
eventually enter the ocean (Lebreton et al., 2017).
Further, due to their long lifespans, microplastics
entering one environmental compartment may
transfer to another, thus becoming ubiquitous and
remaining in the environment for extended periods
while degrading into smaller and smaller particles
and ultimately entering the food chain and humans
(Woodsetal.,2021;Abeynayakaetal.,2019)(g.1).
Microplastics found in the environment are a diverse
range of contaminants (Rochman et al., 2019), with
a variety of additives and polymers shapes and
sizes with sorbed and inherent toxic chemicals
(Campanale et al., 2020; Koelmans et al., 2016),
elements(Igalavithanaetal.,2022;Akhbarizadehet
al., 2018), and microorganisms including pathogens
(Oberbeckmann et al., 2018; McCormick et al.,
2014). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of
microplastic toxicity on ecosystems and human
health impacts is a complex process involving
diverseresearchelds(Cowgeretal.,2020).Further,
evidence gathering requires multi-disciplinary
expertise such as in plastic and related chemical
toxicology, fate analysis, and plastic degradation;
hence, addressing microplastic’s environmental and
human health impacts requires open collaboration
betweendiversesectors(Conetal.,2021).
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Plastic pollution and microplastics
INTRODUCTION
3
Figure 1. Characteristics for categorizing plastic debris: a) size-based classication,
b) morphology-based classication of microplastics; c) microplastic sources;
d) diverse suite of chemicals and biosolids.
Source: a), b), and d): [Abeynayaka et al., 2022]; c): [Ryberg et al, 2018]
INTRODUCTION
4
Table 1: Potential human health eects due to exposure to plastic-associated chemicals
Source: Nikiema et al., 2020
Figure 2 summarizes microplastic’s sources, fate,
exposure,andeects.Microplasticsoriginatefrom
sources(seeg.1c)suchasmicrobeadscontainedin
personalcareproducts,plastic microbers derived
from washing and drying of synthetic textiles,
fragmented tire-wear particles and road marking
paints, accidental spills of pellets, and fragmentation
of larger plastics used for activities such as food
packaging, drink bottles, industrial materials,
householdgoods,synthetic ber,andmanyothers
(Hann et al., 2018; Lim, 2021; Sundt et al., 2014).
Such sources can vary from one geographical region
toanother.Forexample, in Japanarticialturfand
capsules of plastic-coated fertilizer are reported
widely (Abeynayaka et al., 2020; Katsumi et al.,
2020), which are associated with the prevalence
of articial elds and the consumption of plastic-
coated fertilizer, respectively. Throughout the globe,
municipal wastewater treatment plants (MWWTPs)
are also found to be a signicant source of
microplastics(Leslieetal.,2017;Milleretal.,2017),
which is associated with domestic wastewater
containing the remains of washed textiles and
personal care products.
As mentioned above, once plastic enters the
environment it can move to other systems or transfer
The adverse eects of plastic litter in ecosystems
have been widely discussed in the literature (Bellasi
etal.,2020;Hortonetal.,2018).Plasticcontaminants
in freshwater sources threaten ecosystems and
pose a potential health hazard to humans (Jemec
etal.,2016;Redondo-Hasselerharmetal.,2018;Su
et al., 2018). The reported evidence indicates that
upon human exposure (Cox et al., 2019; Ageel et
al., 2022) to microplastics, they can travel through
the digestive tract and into organs. Further, recently
microplastics were discovered in human blood
samples (Leslie et al., 2022) They can also carry a
diverse range of toxic chemicals, elements, and
pathogens, which may cause cancer, neurological
and immune system damage, and other eects
if the particles themself are toxic or absorb toxic
substances (Arkin et al., 2019; Smith et al., 2018;
Ragusa et al., 2021). Table 1 summarizes the
potentialhumanhealtheects duetoexposureto
microplastics and associated chemicals.
INTRODUCTION
5
between them (Fig. 2), after which degradation
breaks it down into smaller and smaller particles.
Due to the long half-life of plastics, estimated at
hundreds to thousands of years (Barnes et al., 2009),
complete breakdown and removal of microplastics
from a system requires long timespans. Regarding
exposure pathways for humans and ecosystems,
human pathways are highly associated with
inhalation(Ageeletal.,2022;Borthakuretal.,2022),
ingestion through drinking water (Cox et al.,2019;
WHO, 2019), food web-associated ingestion (Setälä
etal.,2014;Carberyet al., 2018; Wang etal.,2019),
directly contaminated food-related ingestion, with
plastics reaching the intestine (Prata et al., 2020).
Figure 2. Source, fate, exposure and eects of microplastics
Source: Modied from Ryberg et al, 2018 and Woods et al., 2021
INTRODUCTION
6
While the academia keeps revealing new evidence
on the occurrence, fate, exposure and eects of
microplastics, international functions such as UNEA
5.2 and G20, and regional economic and political
unions such as the European Union (EU) and the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and
national governments of mainly developed countries
have also begun to address the issue by implementing
various measures such as policies and management
strategies(Kadarudinetal.,2020;KentinandKaarto,
2018; GRID-Arendal, 2021a; GRID-Arendal, 2021b).
Along with the increasing recognition of microplastic
pollutionanditseectsatglobal,regionalandnational
levels, sources of funding for priority research on
Monitoring and regulation of microplastics are
currently underway in certain areas of the world,
such as the EU and North America. The EU has been
working on the “Upcoming initiative on microplastics,”
initiated in 2019 (EU, 2022), and
the US State of California initiated such a process
several years ago starting with the California senate
bill on statewide Microplastics strategy in 2018, as
showninBox1(Conetal,2021)below:
microplastics are also increasing (Jenkins et al.,
2022). While funding will certainly generate data,
however,ensuringsuchdataarendable,accessible,
interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) is essential to
informing policy and mitigation strategies (Jenkins et
al., 2022). Hence generation of FAIR data is essential
for optimizing the impacts of funds and generating
information for evidence-based policymaking.
Monitoring assists the generation of scientic
evidence to support evidence-based policymaking
implementation related to decision-making. Figure
3 illustrates the potential tiered monitoring systems
for microplastics proposed by the California water
board(Conetal.,2021).
Figure 3. Potential tiered microplastic monitoring process
Source: Con et al., 2021
1.2. Microplastic data and evidence-based policy
INTRODUCTION
7
Box 1
• California Senate Bill 1263 (2018): Statewide Microplastics Strategy
•July2020:DeneMicroplastics
•July2021:Standardmethods,fouryearsoftesting;Health-basedguidance
level;Accreditlaboratories
• 2022: Initiate statewide Microplastics strategy within 4 years
• 2026: Deadline to achieve the following tasks:
1. Develop a risk assessment framework
2. Develop standard methods
3. Establish baseline occurrence data
4. Investigate sources and pathways
5. Recommend source reduction strategies
A diverse range of methods are used in microplastic
sampling and analysis, involving dierent matrices.
Sampling and analysis have been conducted
and advanced over the past decade, and various
organizations have put forward several eorts to
standardise methods and protocols (MOE-J, 2020)
andresearchers(Primpkeetal.,2020;Cowgeretal.,
2020).
Figure 4 provides some commonly used microplastic
sampling methods for surface water and WWTP water.
Other methods include sampling microplastics from
WWTP sludge (Lars et al., 2019), soils (Scheurer et al.,
2018;Palansooriyaetal.,2022),sediment(Maeset
al.,2017a),anddrinkingwater(DeFrondetal.,2022;
Pivokonsky,etal.,2018;Novotnaetal.,2019).
1.3. Methods and facilities
Figure 4. Basic microplastic sampling methods used in surface
water and Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
Source: Modied from Abeynayaka et al., 2022
INTRODUCTION
8
After sampling, sample purication must be
performed to separate microplastics from other
solid constituents such as organic matter, sand
particles, etc. Figure 5 illustrates a typical sample
purication and analysis process (Ben-David et al.,
2021). Rochman et al. (2019), in their review of the
physical and chemical properties of microplastics,
Table 2 summarizes the salient features of analytical
equipment used in microplastic-related research.
Researchers often use µRaman and µFTIR-based
analytical methods for polymer identication. For
polymer identication with microscope-based
methods, uorescence staining (such as Nile Red)
has often been conducted (Erni-Cassola et al.,
2017;Maesetal.,2017b). Apart from the polymer
identication,parameterssuchasthedetectable
size range, aordability, and the time taken for
analysis are important considerations regarding
equipment usage, as is the detection limit and aim
of the study. Detection limits depend not only on
the equipment but also on the analytical skills of the
operators. Research related to the smaller ranges
of microplastics (1−100 µm) is hindered by the
unavailability of analytical equipment and a robust
method (Abeynayaka et al., 2022).
summarized them into physical properties such as
mass, shape, and color, and chemical properties
including polymer-type, additives and adsorbed
chemicals. Attached biological constituents such as
biolms,pathogens,andantigensarealsoimportant
properties to consider (Oberbeckmann et al., 2018).
Figure 5. Typical microplastic purication and analysis process ow
Source: Modied from Ben-Davis et al., 2021
INTRODUCTION
9
Table 2: Features of commonly used microplastic analytical equipment
*Prices of equipment were obtained through
personal communication with leading manufacturers
(as of 2021) and information on manufacturer
homepages. References are given for further reading
as case studies of equipment usage. Tabulated
information does not necessarily represent the
example reference content. For drinking water
microplastic observation, it is recommended to use
micro-level equipment considering the smaller-
sized microplastics. Another challenge is the
analysis of plastic-related chemicals, such as toxic
metal analysis. The microplastic associated organic
pollutant assessment methods are in developing
(Yukioka et al, 2021 Järlskog et al., 2021).
INTRODUCTION
10
Common metal analysis methods such as ICP-MS
(inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy)
require sample weights of several grams. However,
the weight of the microplastic fragment is less
than a milligram (mg), which limits the analysis of
toxic metals in microplastics. However, toxic metal
analysis using larger-sized microplastics based on
x-rayuorescencespectroscopyisshowingpromise
(Turner, 2017; Abeynayaka et al., 2021). While the
selection of analytical equipment depends on
various factors, the research objectives need to be
in line with the available facilities in order to provide
meaningful outcomes.
Plastic pollution has been widely reported in Sri
Lanka (Geyer et al., 2017: NAPPWM, 2021), and
microplastics in coastal environments has been
reported on also (Sevwandi Dharmadasa et al.,
2021; Athawuda et al., 2020; Bimali Koongolla et
al., 2018). The country’s national action plan on
plastic waste management (NAPPWM) recognizes
that microplastic-related pollution is a serious
domestic concern (NAPPWM, 2021). To initiate
appropriate and eective countermeasures to
control the impacts of microplastics on life and the
environment in Sri Lanka, increased awareness of
microplastics and their impacts at various levels (e.g.,
by policymakers, industry, and the general public),
as well as identifying and addressing knowledge
gapsrelatedtocontinuousmonitoringandscientic
evidence-based policy measures are necessary.
For the Sri Lankan context, achieving the ve
tasks outlined in box 1 are essential; i.e., passing
related bills, dening microplastics, determining
methods, initiating a statewide strategy and setting
deadlines for determining the related framework
and methods, baseline data, sources and pathways
and recommended reduction strategies. However,
certain areas require capacity building to achieve
these tasks. One important task is to educate society
on the potential negative impacts of microplastics
onlifeandthe environment(ndingsofthisstudy).
Hence, urgent awareness and training programs on
the adverse impacts of microplastics and assessment
methodsfordierentsociallevelsofSriLanka are
essential.
Therefore, this TNA was conducted to study the
present state of knowledge among the potential
stakeholders on microplastics monitoring and
policymaking. Furthermore, the status of current
capacities (knowledge and facilities) and the required
training to improve existing capacities of Sri Lanka
were assessed. The gap between the present status
and the desired level of knowledge (i.e., related to
theprevailingissues)wasidentied,thensegmented
and translated into training needs.
1.4. Sri Lanka: the way forward on
microplastic monitoring and
evidence-based policymaking
AIMS, OBJECTIVES, AND SCOPE
11
2. AIMS, OBJECTIVES, AND SCOPE
This study was formulated based on global ndings
on the extent of microplastics in the environment,
with a special focus on the potential monitoring of
food and water. The main focus of this study was
to ascertain the level of understanding regarding
how microplastics were currently investigated
and to develop a curriculum to assist microplastic
monitoring in Sri Lanka. Moreover, putting into
practice actions linked with the study outcomes will
ultimately contribute to achieving the implementation
of regional and global commitments, including the
Honolulu Strategy, a framework for comprehensive
and global collaborative eorts in reducing the
ecological, human health, and economic impacts of
marine debris worldwide and the UNEA 5.2, ending
plastic pollution: towards international leagaly binding
instrument. This framework is organized by a set of
global goals and strategies, regardless of specic
conditions or challenges. Further, the intended
activities will contribute to achieving the sustainable
development goals (SDGs) of GOAL 6: clean water
and sanitation, GOAL 14: life below water, GOAL 2:
Zero Hunger, GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being,
and GOAL 4: Quality Education.
The steps for achieving the overall objectives of the
capacity building for microplastic monitoring and
evidence-based policymaking are given in box 2.
To minimize the potential health eects of
microplastics and plastic-related chemicals by
assessing their fate in the environmental systems,
enable the development of rigorous awareness
programs for pollution prevention, and support the
evidence-basedpolicy-makingprocesswithscientic
information.
1. To assess the know-how related to
microplastics spread and mitigation measures
adaptedtotheoverallenvironment;
2. To determine the current status of microplastics
pollutionresearchinnationalinstitutes;
3. To assess the available facilities for
microplasticspollutionmonitoring;
4. To develop a curriculum on the origin, fate, and
mitigation of microplastics in the environment,
based on addressing knowledge gaps at the
fundamentalandprofessionallevels;and
5. To assess the need for a centralized
microplastics monitoring facility related to
water, under the purview of the Ministry of
Water Supply.
2.1. Aims
2.2. Objectives
AIMS, OBJECTIVES, AND SCOPE
12
The project’s scope is based on objective data analysis
through a questionnaire survey compiled by the
Social Science Group. The data were collected from
environmental professionals throughout Sri Lanka
representing all nine provinces, focusing on the water
sector. The survey results provided information and
data on the current status of microplastics pollution,
awareness status, professional databases, available
facilities for microplastics research and monitoring,
etc., which will be used in designing a training
curriculum on microplastics pollution aimed at
national and local policy-makers, practitioners and
research communities involved in the water supply
sector. Further, awareness-building for the general
public will also be targeted through mobilizing
program stakeholders. The technical needs of
microplastics inventorying and monitoring facilities
among Sri Lankan institutes were also examined.
The curriculum is standardized to meet world norms
through quality control and assurance programs.
Avenues will be sought to integrate the critical
training modules into the secondary and tertiary
curricula in Sri Lanka.
2.3. Scope
Box 2
METHODOLOGY
13
3. METHODOLOGY
The data required for this study were obtained
mainly through a structured questionnaire (see
Annexure 1). Quantitative information was collected
from dierent focus groups and other general
stakeholders. The following steps were followed in
carrying out this study:
1. Detailed literature survey of indexed journals
and internationally published reports
2. Determining and designing the survey for data
collection
3. Collecting empirical knowledge through
questionnaires, eld visits, workshops, and
expert opinion [Key Informant Interview (KII) and
Focus Group Discussion (FGD)]
4. Producing a preliminary report
5. Validation of information via stakeholder
consultations and inputs from the subject
experts (national, regional, and international)
A working group including thematic leaders,
consultants, and local and international experts was
formed to initiate and conduct the TNA preparations.
The questionnaire was then drafted incorporating
inputs from the thematic experts before being
nalized.
This TNA study set out to collect information covering
all Sri Lankan provinces. Thus, the questionnaire
was shared through the various stakeholder groups
in the country as follows using a Google Forms
questionnaire from February to March, 2022.
The survey was technically conducted in two layers/
tiers of stakeholders: (1) General respondents
includinggraduatestudentsintheenvironmentaleld
and ordinary citizens, and (2) Stakeholders involved in
microplastics monitoring and/or microplastics users
(mandatory institutions, aliated institutions, and
the relevant stakeholders, academics). Finally, at the
national/international level, several subject experts,
policymakers, administrators, and academics were
individually consulted to triangulate the data and
key ndings to obtain in-depth knowledge. The
geographical distribution of the questionnaire
respondentsisgivening.6.Mapoftheprovinces
of Sri Lanka is given in Annexure 2.
3.1. Research approach
3.2. The research context and sample
Figure 6. Geographical distribution of questionnaire respondents
Source: Survey data, February−March, 2022
METHODOLOGY
14
The respondents (n = 83) considered in the study
were from the thematic areas as shown in g.
7 (quality assurance, monitoring, policy-making,
methods development, and research). Among those
targeted were the monitoring and quality assurance
Based on the data analysis, the scope of
respondents’ areas of work was divided into six
main categories, which are water (drinking water,
freshwater, wastewater, and sludge), agriculture
(soil, fertilizer,irrigation), marine and coastal
environments, academic research, cosmetics
(industrial pollution) and food and beverage quality.
Data collection mainly involved quantitative data,
with a small amount of qualitative data. The working
groupmanagedtheeld-levelcoordinationinclose
collaboration with the relevant institute’s contact
personnel. The following gure (g. 8) shows the
institutions (government institutions, universities
or similar educational institutions, and private and
NGO laboratories) that responded.
Questionnaire surveys were conducted online
through a Google form, Consultative Workshops,
FGDs, and KIIs, desk surveys, and discussions
with experts in the eld were used as information
collection techniques.
organizations and policy-making organizations
needed to achieve the project’s ultimate objectives,
carry out the microplastics-related pollution
monitoring, and inform on the scientic evidence-
based policy-making process.
3.3. Method of data collection
Figure 7. Organizational roles of the respondents
Source: Survey data, February−March 2022
METHODOLOGY
15
Figure 8. Respondent institutions
Source: Survey data, February−March, 2022
The data collected through the google form based
questionnaire survey were analyzed using Microsoft
Excel, and statistical software, IBM SPSS Statistic
Data Editor.
Limitations are part of any research and can be
divided broadly into two categories: methodological
limitations and data limitations, as follows:
1. Limits are determined by whether stakeholders
had access to the Internet
2. Limits are determined by whether the accessible
group of stakeholders was literate in Google
forms
3. Limits imposed by existing facts and data on
microplastic monitoring
4. Limits imposed by the quantitative data received
through the questionnaire survey
Due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the
country, the main data collection technique was
limited only to the online survey (Google forms
questionnaire). Thus, this TNA report is mainly
based on quantitative data rather than qualitative
data. However, to overcome these limitations or
challenges, various literature was referred to in
the writing stage, subject matter experts were
consulted, and several eld visits were conducted
to obtain more knowledge on a practical basis. The
eldvisitswere madeatfaciltieis suchsasdrinking
water, wastewater, sludege treatment and the
quiestionnaire respondents institutions to interview
and obaserve the situation.
3.4. Data analysis
3.5. Limitations of the study and
overcoming the limitations
INFORMATION ANALYSIS
16
Information analysis consists of 3 steps, as illustrated
inthefollowingowchart(g.9):
The cumulative training gaps identied outputs
were presented to the national validation reviewers
for validation and incorporated into the identied
training gaps. The cumulative identied training
needs were then updated after that.
The training gaps and needs identied in the eld
were presented to the thematic experts and their
views and recommendations were gathered for
incorporation into the identied training needs.
Field visits and FGDs were conducted to observe
andverifytheinformation(g.10,11).
The above steps comprise:
1. Reviewing the compiled information according to
the theme and extracting key facts
2. Identifying the gaps and adequate measures
3. Identifying the cumulative training needs, in terms
of knowledge, facilities, and skills. In the analysis
process, the existing situation was judged against
the desired situation.
4.1. Compilation
4.2. Analysis
4.3. National validation
4.4. Expert interviews and eld visits
4. INFORMATION ANALYSIS
Figure 9. Process of information analysis
Information compilation involved the initial
separation of information from general and technical
respondents and subsequently proceeded as per
therespectivethemesInthenalstage,thecollected
information was compiled separately, theme-wise,
for analysis.
INFORMATION ANALYSIS
17
Figure 10. Discussions with experts in the eld
INFORMATION ANALYSIS
18
Figure 11. Field photos:a) Water treatment plant intake, b) wastewater treatment plant,
wastewater treatment plant strainers retain sludge with visible meso- and
large-sized microplastics, and d) sludge drying facility
Source: Field visit, March 2022
The eld visits were conducted to observe the
ongoing typical water treatment processes, the
wastewater treatment processes, waste disposal
sites and wastewater treatment plant sludge
and disposal. Observations were recorded and the
information was conrmed and veried through
discussionswithrelevantocers.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
19
Figure 12. Presence of plastic in the natural environment
Source: Survey data, February−March 2022
5. SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The survey ndings were two-fold, i.e., covering
general/social and technical aspects. Consequently,
the survey results were analyzed to identify the general
knowledge gaps, the technical skills/knowledge, and
facilities for monitoring microplastics.
Based on the information obtained from the
questionnaire survey, the participants’ awareness of
plastic and microplastic pollution, and the potential
impacts of microplastics were assessed. According
to the views expressed by the respondents, plastic
pollution is present in the natural environment of
Sri Lanka and the majority of the respondents (55%)
mentioned that plastic pollution can be seen in most
environments(g.12).
Figure 12 implies that a considerable portion (26.2%
+ 2.4%) of the stakeholders have low awareness of
plastic pollution in the surrounding environment.
Consequently, a lack of awareness can lead to a lack
of attention to plastic pollution and microplastics
among the potential stakeholder communities,
which can have consequences regarding their
engagement in microplastics monitoring and
policymaking processes.
The study ndings (g. 13) revealed that basic
awareness of the environmental impacts of
microplastics within the target population was
considerably higher. Awareness of impacts on human
health and aquatic creatures was comparatively
higher. However, some of those who acknowledged
there are impacts on aquatic creatures and humans
still believe there are no impacts on animals
living inland and small creatures living in the soil.
5.1. General/Social
5.1.1. Awareness of plastics (Opinions on
plastic pollution and microplastics)
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
20
Such thinking could be associated with concerns
on microplastics that were initially raised related to
marine environments which then involved human
health concerns afterward. Thus awareness of the
impacts on terrestrial animals and small creatures
in the soil needs to be improved since microplastic
contamination associated with WWTP’s sludge
applications on agricultural land and their impacts
are important factors in Sri Lanka.
Figure 13. Basic awareness of the impacts of microplastics related to pollution
Figure 14. Basic awareness of human exposure to microplastics
Source: Survey data, February−March 2022
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
The basic awareness of human exposure to
microplastics through food consumption is higher
(g. 14). However, tap water consumption was not
recognized as a potential exposure path by more
than 40% of the respondents.While the reasons are
notdenite,thiscouldbeduetoalackofawareness
of reports on microplastics in tapwater in other parts
of the world. This would appear to relate to a gap in
accessingscienticliterature.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
21
5.1.2. Attitude of respondents on
microplastics monitoring in Sri Lanka
Figure 15. Monitoring needs of microplastics in Sri Lanka
Source: Survey data, February−March 2022
Awareness of the presence of plastic and microplastic
pollution and the impacts of microplastics appears
to be present in the respondents. However, certain
knowledge gaps need to be addressed. Awareness-
raising needs to be focused on all levels, starting
from the tertiary education systems, technicians,
othersta,andpolicy-makerspotentiallyinvolvedin
the monitoring and policy recommending processes.
According to the outcomes shown in g. 15, a
high percentage (i.e., 89.3%) of respondents were
aware of the fundamentals of microplastic-related
pollution. Hence it can be assumed that many
stakeholders believe plastics threaten humans
and the environment. Based on this argument,
the respondents emphasized the importance of
monitoring microplastics in Sri Lanka to address
human exposure.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
22
5.1.3. Microplastics-related activities
5.1.3.1. Microplastics-related activities
with in organizations
Figure 16. Organizational work in the eld of microplastics in the environment
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Accordingly, it is interesting to note that the majority
of respondents were in favor of having a monitoring
system for microplastics. This willingness implies a
supportive environment for preparing a monitoring
mechanism and policy recommendations for
microplastic-related pollution mitigation.
The identied training needs for microplastics
monitoring activities to overcome the gaps need
to be addressed through a training program, thus
such a program needs to be institutionalized. The
training modules need to be planned in detail and
supporting resources need to be developed.
Asshowning.16organizations(Annexure3)working
in the eld of microplastics and microplastics-
related pollution were low among all the
participants. This could mean that the respondents
had low awareness of microplastics because they
were not involved in related work.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
23
Figure 17. Publications (international and national) related to microplastics-related
pollution published by the target population
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
5.1.3.2. Current status of internationally
However, the major objectives of analyzing
microplastics among the respondents are monitoring,
pollution load estimation, research on various
aspects, minimizing contamination and raising public
awareness, gathering information to support policy
decisions and comprehending the gravity of the issue,
and identifying harmful microplastics components.
Based on the current level of awareness of
microplastics, disseminating knowledge is vital.
According to the study, there are fewer publications
conducted in Sri Lanka that are published at global
(only 37.5% respondents have published globaly) or
local levels (only 29.4% respondents have published
globaly). Surprizingly publications by global sources
are comparatively higher than local sources, at 37.5
and29.4%respectively(g.17).
The lower number of publications covering
environmentaleldsinSriLankacouldbeassociated
with several factors, such as a lack of knowledge, lack
of funding targeting microplastics, lack of access to
analytical equipment, and so on. The comparatively
lower number of publications by local sources could
be attributed to the lower number of conferences
and scientic publications targeting microplastic
pollution and factors such as lack of local target
audience.
and locally published research papers
on microplastics pollution
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
24
Figure 18. Areas of measuring or studying in Sri Lankan institutions
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
5.1.3.3. Fields of microplastics dealing with
measuring or study in Sri Lankan
institutions working on water supply,
agriculture, waste management, and
pollution monitoring
On the other hand, this also shows that most of the
respondents were unaware of local and international
publications related to microplastic pollution, from
which it could be inferred that awareness of the
authorities and institutions on microplastic pollution
and its threats to humans and the environment is
low. This therefore needs to be addressed through a
newly developed curriculum in the upcoming years.
Figure 18 illustrates the elds or areas in which
microplastics are measured or studied in Sri
Lankan institutions, from which it can be seen
that the majority of institutes work in the elds of
freshwater and marine water-related environments,
as well as wastewater, soil, and food. The study
did notapproach potential institutes related to
atmospheric pollution (other than universities, and
the universities reported negative observations).
Further, according to the expert opinions and the
Scopus literature survey, and Google scholar survey,
there are no reported publications on atmospheric
microplastics in Sri Lanka.
Reports on pollution levels due to microplastics,
especially in the aquatic environment, and the
potential risks posed to human health through
aquatic life exist. Further, it is already well known
that plastic contaminants in freshwater threaten
ecosystems and are a potential health hazard to
humans (table 1). Microplastics can be ingested by
plankton at the bottom of the aquatic food chain,
which then move up to the next level in the food
chain, eventually aecting humans through bodily
accumulation(g.3).Thus,authoritiesneedto take
the necessary actions to eliminate this threat.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
25
Figure 19. Sampling activities
Figure 20. Sampling depth of water sampling
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
5.2. Technical
5.2.1. Sampling
At present, sampling is conducted solely through
the relevant institutes, and if sampling facilities or
instruments are lacking in institutes, they do not
consider conducting sampling or analysis. The lack
of technical knowledge and resources, especially
regarding instruments, are leading factors for the
lack of monitoring conducted by such institutes
despitemonitoringbeingwithintheirscope(g.19).
Strengthening the relevant institutes through the
Sampling methods for water, wastewater, fertilizer,
and soil need to be separately addressed for the groups
focused on. The related equipment and laboratory
facilitiesneed tobedevelopedandeectivelyused
forthetrainingprogramsthatincludeeldexercises.
The following three areas, i.e., sampling depth, for
watersampling;locations,forwastewatersampling;
and locations for agricultural and food-related
sampling, should be stressed in the training program.
provision of sophisticated modern instruments
can overcome this issue. Further, proper
institutionalization and coordination of the facilities
and stakeholders for resource sharing and where/
how to access resources is essential. Actions
related to monitoring and policy-making need to
be coordinated, and needs related to obtaining
scienticevidencemustbecommunicatedproperly
to the stakeholders.
Based on our results, the depths used for water
and wastewater sampling mainly focused on intake
and wastewater treatment plant sludge. This may
have been due to the easy access and lack of other
sampling facilities and/or inadequate knowledge
and training.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
26
Figure 21. Locations of wastewater sampling
Figure 22. Locations of agriculture and food-related sampling
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
The sampling locations considered mainly
comprised surface and near-surface water.
However, little concern was paid to the lower or
bottom levels. Concentrations of microplastics,
along with precipitation and coagulation with other
materials occur at the bottom layers of water
bodies, therefore sampling the whole water body is
critical to providing an overall picture of the status
of microplastic pollution. This can be realized by
educating the relevant sta and providing the
relevant sophisticated instrument facilities.
Based on the study results, the main focus for
agricultural and food-related sampling was on
compost materials used in farming. This is mainly
due to the thinking that compost, which originated
from domestic waste may be contaminated with
microplastics.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
27
Figure 23. Techniques and Instruments used in Sri Lanka
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
5.2.2. Laboratory analysis of samples for polymers
Figure 23 shows the equipment used by institutions
for monitoring microplastics pollution. Most of the
institutions answered that they use FTIR instrument
facilities;however,therewasnofocusonmicroscopy
coupled with Raman spectroscopy (micro-Raman),
which is also widly used tools for microplastic
detection (specially for small sized microplastics).
This may be due to the lack of availability of such
instruments in Sri Lanka or lack of knowledge.
The identied key institutes for monitoring
microplastics need to be linked with the existing
facilities. The following gures (g. 24, 25) show
the extent of ownership of current lab equipment
available in the institutes of Sri Lanka, which may
point to the importance of increasing the number
of facilities available in such labs. In particular, the
regional centers will need to develop the skills and
provide the facilities to enable continuous monitoring
activities. Further, facilities in regional areas also need
to be seriously addressed. Due to the lack of such
equipment in the relevant sectors and authorities,
the institutional research capacity has dropped,
thus institutions will need to procure capital if
plans to upscale research progress. Similarly,
sample pretreatment and transportation need to
be addressed during capacity-building activities.
Moreover, an operational mechanism with proper
coordination needs to be established.
Currently, monitoring is only focused on the larger
microplastics and it appears there are no facilities for
detecting microplastics in the smaller ranges (due to
the lack of equipment such as micro-FTIR and micro-
Raman). Since monitoring of drinking water has
been identied as important by the stakeholders,
the monitoring process needs to be supplemented
with micro-FITR and micro-Raman.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
28
Figure 24. Percentage of labs having their own equipment
Figure 25. Usage and ownership of equipment
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Identicationof eachinstitution’sroleanddierent
sections(suchasheadoce,laboratory,regional
oce)areimportanttocapacity-buildingprograms,
which should be planned and conducted accordingly.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
29
Figure 26. Who analyzes the samples
Figure 27. Sieving of samples
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Analytical methods for water, wastewater, fertilizer,
and soil samples need to be separately addressed
for the groups focused on. Sampling methods
and analysis preparations dier depending on the
microplastic source’s origin. Thus, this area needs
to be addressed appropriately to obtain the best
results. As shown in g. 26, certain steps of the
sample analysis have been conducted with support
from other organizations, mainly for plastic polymer
identicationandrelatedactivitieswherepolymer
Sample purication often includes density
separation for higher density particle separation
from microplastics and organic digestion to remove
the organics from samples. According to the survey,
certain percentages indicate no digestion and/or
density separation is conducted. The limited access
to chemicals and equipment, and cost-cutting are
the common causes behind this. Moreover, the lack
of standard protocols for sample purication and
data reporting could be other aspects to consider.
identication equipment is needed. The regional
areas suer from limited facilities, thus this also
needs to be addressed.
As shown in g. 27, most respondents report that
they do not sieve samples, even before or after the
digestion step. For each analysis, standard protocols
need to be put in place and followed, and such
steps may be not possible without resorting to the
educationandtrainingoftherelevantsta.
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
30
Figure 28. Percentage performing digestion of samples
Figure 29. Percentage performing density separation of samples
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
SURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
31
Figure 31. Percentage performing digestion of samples
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
Following the steps mentioned above, respondents
analysed the liquid matrix. The samples were then
stored in three ways: on lter and microplastic
picked up and placed in small glassware bottles. As
showning.31,mostrespondents(60%ofthetotal)
say they keep microplastic samples in small glass
bottles.
Figure 30. Percentage re-using the density separation solution
Source: Survey data, February-March, 2022
GAPS AND CAPACITIES IDENTIFIEDSURVEY RESULTS OF TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
32
Figure 32 illustrates the observed urban water cycle
in Sri Lanka. The KIIs, FG, and eld visits revealed
that contamination of waste sources is possible
with plastics (and microplastics) from waste dumps,
etc. Moreover, wastewater treatment plants receive
plastics (and microplastics), and the sludge consists
of visible potential (since only physical observations
were conducted without polymer conrmation)
mesoplastics and large-sized microplastics. Further,
the presence of microplastics in WWTP sludge is
widelydocumented(Laresetal.,2018;Mohanetal.,
2017, Li et al., 2018), hence the present practices of
sludge disposal, such as land application, could be a
source of microplastics and potentially act as a vector
of toxic elements and substances (Igalavithana et al.,
2022). Further, the runo from the WWTP sludge
contaminated agricultural land contaminates water
resources (Corradini et al., 2019). Therefore, further
assessments of the water and wastewater treatment
systems and plastic pollution sources aecting
drinking water sources and agricultural land need
to be carried out. Interdisciplinary coordination and
wider awareness of the issues are required to obtain
a fuller picture of the situation and engage in action.
5.2.3. Field observations
Figure 32. Observed common urban water cycle in Sri Lanka
Source: Authors
GAPS AND CAPACITIES IDENTIFIED GAPS AND CAPACITIES IDENTIFIED
33
6. GAPS AND CAPACITIES IDENTIFIED
6.1. Awareness of microplastics
6.2. Knowledge/skills and infrastructure/
• Many potential stakeholders have low awareness
of the presence of plastic pollution in the
surrounding environments. Moreover, certain
gaps exist in comprehension of the impacts of
microplastics.
• Lack of awareness may lead to the lack of
attention regarding plastic pollution and
microplastics among the potential stakeholder
communities, thus potentially hindering their
engagement in microplastics monitoring and
policymaking processes.
• Most respondents were in favor of having a
microplastic monitoring system, which will
support preparing a monitoring mechanism and
policy recommendations for microplastic-related
pollution mitigation.
• Gaps in the comprehension of microplastics
identied require addressing through training
programs. Such training program needs to be
institutionalized, and individual training modules
need to be planned in detail, together with the
development of supporting resources.
• Current sampling practices depend highly on
the available facilities of institutes; if sampling
facilities or instruments are absent, sampling
and analysis are not considered.
• Proper institutionalization and coordination of
facilities and stakeholders for resource sharing
and where/how to access resources are essential.
Monitoring and policy-making activities need
coordinationandmethodsofscienticevidence
gathering must be communicated properly to
the stakeholders.
• Identify of the role of each institution and
dierentsectionswithininstitutions.
• Lab equipment is available for analysis tasks;
however, the scope and channeling of equipment
for monitoring programs are currently unclear
and thus need to be delineated. MOWS
currently lacks micro-Raman/FTIR facilities.
While institutional collaboration could resolve
this bottleneck during training activities, long-
term monitoring programs for drinking water
necessitate more concrete provision of facilities.
• Currently, some organizations possess organized
laboratory systems, and the national water supply
and drainage board has a cluster-based system
involving regional and central levels. Capacity-
building activities should further strengthen
such systems to enable comprehensive island-
wide monitoring programs.
• On an institutional level, the lack of technical
knowledge and skills has been identied as
one factor behind the lack of monitoring
despite monitoring being within a particular
organization’s scope.
facilities for microplastics monitoring
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
34
7. PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
7.1. Awareness and Education
7.1.1 Foundation course
Modules covering basic knowledge on microplastics
and targeted training modules on microplastics
sampling, analysis, and data reporting need to be
Followingtheaboveidentiedneeds,afoundation
course has been designed to address the gaps
in basic understanding of microplastics among
policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and
academia. This course is limited to the fundamentals
and covers the sources of microplastics and their
health impacts to enable the required ground-level
actions for decision-making to be initiated. The
content of the proposed foundation course is given
in table 3.
developed to achieve the targets. The following
diagram illustrates the two-stream conceptual
model for capacity building.
Figure 33. Conceptual model for capacity building
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
35
Table 3: Foundation course module
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
36
Table 4: Advanced course module
7.1.2 Advance course: technical sta in the full monitoring chain
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
37
7.2. Resources (sampling equipment and analytical equipment)
Table 5: Analytical equipment
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
38
Table 6: Apparatus for water analysis
7.2.1. Apparatus and materials for water analysis (saline and freshwater)
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
39
Table 7: Apparatus for sand sample analysis
7.2.2. Apparatus and materials for beach sand analysis
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
40
Table 8: Apparatus for bed sediment analysis
7.2.3. Apparatus and materials for bed sediment analysis
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
41
7.3. Pre-planning, implementation, and operation program
7.3.1. Role identication in a monitoring lab
7.3.2. Clustering
Table 9: Postions and roles
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board,
Sri Lanka (NWSDB), the sole government institute
responsible for supplying safe piped water in urban
and peri-urban areas of Sri Lanka, maintains over 30
laboratories around the country. NWSDB regional
laboratories are present almost in every district, with
more in areas of higher population density or supply
coverage. The main laboratory is located at its head
oce,inRathmalana.Over50trained,well-qualied
chemists perform daily duties related to these
laboratories, ensuring water quality is maintained
consistently. Further, a recently established
advanced laboratory (JRDC) under the Ministry of
Water Supply in Peradeniya, provides assistance
and coordination for these laboratories in advanced
testing. Hence, developing facilities for testing
microplastic at the JRDC oers a highly eective
andecientwaytocommencetestinginSriLanka’s
water sector. Expertise developed in this way will
graduallylterdowntootherregionallaboratories,
thus addressing the testing requirement for all water
supply schemes under the NWSDB, which currently
number over 340. Hence, clustering laboratories
based on provincial boundaries oers the most
ecient and productive route to launching the
program island-wide.
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
42
7.3.3. Sampling and analysis chains identication and arrangement
The training program for sampling, analysis, and data
reporting must target the selected institutes during
the TNA. The modules need to be planned in detail,
with essential/pertinent supporting documents such
as reading materials developed for the components
given below.
• Selection of sampling locations and sampling
methods for drinking water, environmental
water, biota, bed sediment, beach sand, and
soil to be guided.
Sampling locations can be selected according to
institutional requirements (such as highly polluted
areas) by studying land use maps, surface water
bodies near waste dump sites, busy beaches, river
salinity gradients, and other surface water bodies.
Sample collection for microplastics in water can
be performed using a surface net with a 0.335 mm
mesh. For beach sand sample collection, a shovel or
spade can be used, and for the ocean or river bed
sample collection, a corer or grab sampler (Ponar
sampler) can be used. Plastics found will likely
comprisehard and soft plastics, lms, lines, bers,
and sheets shapes.
• Pretreatment and transportation of samples
under the required conditions.
After water sample collection, nets are rinsed with DI
water into glass bottles or beakers for transportation
to the lab. Soil samples are collected to zip bags.
• Selection and development of analytical
methods for microplastics in water and soil.
Further particle size separation of microplastic
samples can be performed in labs via wet sieving
with appropriate sieves of sizes 5.6 mm, 1 mm, and
0.3 mm. The dried weight of the sieved material is
measured (0.3 mm sieve). The labile organic matter
is digested by wet peroxide oxidation (30% hydrogen
peroxide) (WPO) in the presence of a 0.05 M Fe (II)
catalyst. The remaining plastic debris is separated by
density separation in 5 M NaCl (aq) (d=1.15 g/mL) or
5.4 M lithium meta-tungstate (d=1.62 g/mL) solution
through otation. Analyzing microplastics in bed
sediments involves an initial disaggregation of dried
bed sediments by adding 5.5 g/L potassium meta-
phosphate.
• Identication and quantication of plastic
polymers, their state, and potential risk.
Floating plastic debris is collected in the density
separator to a 4 mL vial for examination under
a dissecting microscope at 40× magnication.
Analytical instruments such as micro-FTIR and micro-
Raman can be used to determine the chemical
morphology of the microplastics collected.
• Institutionalization of monitoring and policy-
making activities.
NWSDBishighlyrecognizedforitsongoingeorts
in applying Water Safety Plans (WSP) throughout
the island. Likewise, Sri Lanka has received
recognition and support in various forms by the
World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen
this process. Hence, the Ministry of Water Supply
and Ministry of Health work together under the
gazetted ordinance to enable a smooth channel
for all policy-making activities, from the grass-roots
to decision-making levels. Conversely, decisions
can also be implemented back at the ground level,
through the well-established WSP implementation
mechanism which encounters all possible means of
contamination, from catchment to consumer.
• Methods used in data analysis and reporting
with the minimum information
Data generated at JRDC will be analyzed using
standard statistical software to produce monthly
reports for the NWSDB head oce and ministries
through the WSP auditing process, thus ensuring
decisions can be made by putting into place
adequate control measures at various stages,
following the multibarrier approach. This mechanism
will be entrusted by WHO through its external formal
auditing mechanism, rmly established since its
inception three years ago.
PROPOSED TRAINING MODULE STRUCTURE
43
• Use of appropriate data sharing platforms
and citizen science data
The presenters’ guide, participants’ handbooks
and PowerPoint presentations for dierent
sessions arranged as 1-day and 3-day programs
for foundation and advanced courses respectively
will be developed for the follow-up awareness and
training programs.
At present, there is no institutionalized mechanism to
gather and report microplastics-related information.
Further, no national-level datasets, research
publication repositories, or databases focusing on
microplastics exist.
Eective data reporting with the minimum
information, appropriate units, data-sharing
platforms, citizens’ science data usage, etc., all need
to be addressed through this program. To this end,
standard reporting and monitoring systems need
to be developed. The following ve key strategies
for advancing good research data management
practices in microplastic research shall be used as
a guideline to prepare the institutional and national
databasesandscientic publications(Jenkinsetal.,
2022):
1. Use available standards/practices to describe
data
2. Share raw data – or as close to raw as possible
3. Use a trusted digital repository
4. Link datasets to publications
5. Plan to share data from the onset of a study
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
44
This work examined the public awareness of
microplastics in Sri Lanka, their entry modes to
the environment, pollution status, social status,
monitoring, and research needs to sustain a
healthy environment. Most Sri Lankan communities
are unaware of microplastic pollution and its
environmental hazards. Microplastics are ubiquitous
in the environment and intimately associated with the
population’s lifestyles, and the threat they represent
to wildlife and human life is alarming. However, the
detection of microplastics in the environment is a
specialized task. Further, no systematic monitoring
and regulatory programs exist to assess the
current status of microplastic pollution geared to
safeguarding the environment. Research publications
and other awareness programs on microplastic
pollution are sporadic in Sri Lanka. Knowledge of the
deleterious eects of microplastics on ecosystems
needs to be imparted into curricula at the tertiary
education level. The ubiquity of microplastics in the
land, and fresh and marine aquatic environments
of Sri Lanka represents a serious threat to overall
ecosystems and potentially hazardous conditions to
the public and wildlife. Some Sri Lankan laboratories
are equipped with research-grade Raman and IR
measuring sensors for other activities. However, the
inadequacy of sample collection and preparation
facilities requires serious consideration toward
establishing dedicated monitoring facilities for
microplastics according to standard laboratory
norms. Such facilities can be integrated with global
microplastic monitoring programs in later stages.
Based on the above ndings, the following can be
recommended:
1. Develop an empirical budgeting model based
on microplastic imports and distribution into
dierent sectors in Sri Lanka. Theme models
can be extended at the life cycle analysis-level of
microplastics in the latter stage.
2. Develop awareness programs on the deleterious
eects of microplastics on ecosystems.
Programs can be designed in two modes: entry
and professional awareness. The professionals
will act as a nucleus for strengthening future
awareness programs.
3. Incorporation of the threat of microplastics into
primary-, secondary- and tertiary-level curricula.
4. Develop general public awareness programs
utilizing modern technologies and social media.
5. Develop professional training programs for
professionals by means of certied courses
workshops, etc.
6. Establish a centralized microplastic laboratory
facility with dedicated equipment.
7. Establish sample collection and processing
centers at the regional level for microplastic
monitoring in waters.
8. Establish a network of national institutions to
assess the status of microplastics in Sri Lanka
optimizing human and other resources.
8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
8.1. Conclusions
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
45
8.2. Proposed Framework of the Curriculum
Table 10: Summary of the courses
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Annexure
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Annexure 1: Questionnaire
Condentiality of data is guaranteed
A. Organization background
Questionnaire Survey on Microplastic-related Pollution and its’ impacts on
Ecosystems and Human Health in Sri Lanka
Microplastics is the small plastic pieces less than ve millimeters (0.2 inches) in length. At present,
microplastic-related pollution and its’ impacts on ecosystems and potential human health impacts are
widelydiscussedaroundtheworld.Totakeappropriateandeectivecountermeasurestocontrolthe
impacts of microplastics, monitoring and scientic evidence-based policy measures are necessary.
These require certain facilities such as sampling devices and analytical equipment and skilled technical
sta.Thereforethis questionnairesurveyintendstocollectthepresent situationofvariouspotential
stakeholders in government, academia, private and other organizations in the context of microplastic
sampling and analysis related facilities and skills and identify the facility and training-related capacity
needs, the available resources, and potentials of contributing to future capacity-building activities and
national strategic plans of monitoring and science-based policy-making process.
For Inquiries:
• lakmal.ja@nifs.ac.lk Dr. Lakmal Jayarathna, Research Fellow, National Institute of Science, Kandy, Sri Lanka
• madhu10w@yahoo.com Dr. Madubashini Makehelwala, Senior Chemist, China Sri Lanka Research Grant Project,
Ministry of Water Supply, Sri Lanka
• abeynayaka@iges.or.jp Dr.Amila Abeynayaka, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, Japan.
• mallikap@pdn.ac.lk Prof. Mallika Pinnawala, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya,
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
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B. Opinion of Plastic Pollution and Microplastics
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E. Laboratory analysis for liquid matrix
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F. Laboratory analysis for solid matrix (sediment, biota)
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G. Observation of microplastic
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H. Nature of microplastic
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Annexure 2: Map of the research area
(Based on the provinces in Sri Lanka)
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Annexure 3: Working Group
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
Dr. Premakumara D. G. J. (International Consultant)
Dr. (Eng.) Abeynayaka A. (International Consultant)
Joint Research Demonstration Center for Water Technology (JRDC)
Dr. (Eng.)Weragoda S. K. (Water supply and wastewater treatment expert)
Dr. Makehelwala S. A. M. (Seniour Chemist)
National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka (NIFS)
Prof. Weerasooriya R. (Water and Analytical methods expert)
Dr. Jayarathne L. (Analytical equipment expert)
University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (UOP)
Prof. Pinnawala M. R (Socialogy Expert)
Prof. Dharmakeerthi R. S. (Soil and fertilizer expert)
Dr. Karunarathna A. (Agricultural engineering and solidwaste management expert)
Dr. Igalavithana A. D. (Soil microplastic and toxic element expert)
Mr. Perera R. P. C. H. (Resaearch Assistant)
