A Suspicious Slurry: The Alarming Presence of Microplastics in European Rivers
European Rivers in Grave Peril: Alarming State Revealed
Europe's prized waterways, like the Rhine and Elbe, are tainted with an unwelcome invader - microplastics. A joint study involving 19 research labs and over 14 studies by the Tara Foundation reveals that these tiny particles, found in nine major rivers, including the Thames, the Tiber, and the Seine, pose an "alarming" problem, with an average of three microplastic particles per cubic meter of water[1][2].
Let's Dive Deeper
- The Silent Invasion: The study, published in "Environmental Science and Pollution Research," discovered that some of these microscopic particles can even outweigh the more visible microplastic particles. These tiny terrorists spread throughout the river system, posing a threat to numerous aquatic creatures[1].
Comparing Notes with the Polluted Masses
While European rivers fall short of the world's most polluted rivers, like the Yellow River, Yangtze, Mekong, and Ganges, which boast up to 40 microplastic particles per cubic meter, they still account for a substantial amount - particularly when considering the water flow rates[1]. For instance, the Rhône in Valence registers approximately 3000 microplastic particles per second[1][2]. Yikes!
Are We Caught in a Catch-22?
The ramifications of this microplastic pollution stretch beyond a European concern. These particles can permeate food chains and harbor toxins, posing a potential hazard to human health[3]. To add fuel to the fire, a portion of these microplastics originate from industrial plastic pellets ("mermaid's tears") and synthetic textile fibers, which may contribute to the problem at its source[1][3].
Sound the Alarm!
It's time for Europe to take action! Scientists and environmentalists are urging for significant reductions in plastic production, while addressing inadequate waste management practices, as part of a broader mission to safeguard our waterways[1][3]. The fate of the global marine ecosystem hangs in the balance, with an estimated 80% of these microplastics eventually winding up in our oceans[3]. So, let's kick our plastic dependency before it takes us for a deep dive into a toxic mess!
Bibliography
[1] ntv.de, SPL/AFP. (2021). Scientists Sound the Alarm: Europe's Rivers Polluted with Microplastics. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/wissenschaft/Plastikmull-in-Rhein und Elbe-Ozeaniche Toxine-Forscher-warnt-davor-Artikel0m18057192.html
[2] Doss, Julian. (2019). Forget chocolate - microplastics in Easter eggs. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190626-microplastics-in-easter-eggs
[3] Chelsea Warren (2021). Microplastics in the Sea: Origins, Impacts and Solutions. Retrieved from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/ocean/plastic-megatissue-kit/lesson-plastic-microbeads.html
- Studies
- Rivers and Lakes
- Environmental Pollution
- Environmental Toxins
- The community policy addressing environmental pollution should prioritize significant reductions in plastic production, aiming to mitigate the alarming intake of microplastics in European rivers, such as the Rhine, Elbe, Thames, Tiber, and Seine.
- The presence of microplastics in numerous aquatic species living within European rivers, like the Seine, may indicate a potential hazard to human health, as these particles can permeate food chains and potentially harbor environmental toxins.
- The Tara Foundation's study on microplastics in rivers, which includes the Seine, revealed an average of three microplastic particles per cubic meter of water, with some particles outweighing their visible counterparts, causing an environmentally alarming situation.
