The world undeniably thrives despite pollution, but according to new studies, microplastic pollution has contaminated the lakes and rivers in UK, the groundwater in the US and the waters along the coast of Spain and China. Such pollution can go unnoticed in these areas but they do exist, now.
Humans have been known to consume these tiny plastics through the seafood that we eat or the water that we drink. The possible effects of such contamination to the environment and to people's health are yet to be determined. A study in Singapore has revealed that microplastics harbor with them harmful microorganisms.
The research conducted in UK discovered that the contamination of microplastics are present in reservoirs, rivers and 10 of its lakes. In fact, more than 1,000 tiny pieces of plastics for every liter of water was found in the River of Tame in Manchester. It was revealed last year that this was the most contaminated places yet tested around the world. Even in the remote areas of Falls of Dochart in Scotland, three plastic contaminants out of every liter of water was found.
"We were startled for we didn't expect to find such a huge amount of contaminants," says Christian Dunn, a researcher from Bangor University, Wales. "It is quite depressing that there is such a high rate of contamination found in some of the country's most iconic tourist locations. Even Wordsworth wouldn't be happy to know how truly polluted his beloved Ullswater in Lake District in," he further added.
Microplastics are found everywhere and its dangers remain unknown to most of the world. There might be no use regretting about this 20 years into the future, saying that if we could have known better, we could have done something about it. "Awareness is the key to educating the world so that everyone can do their share," Dunn said.
The same results were found in the River of Thames in London. The studies show that for every liter of water, there are about 80 pieces of microplastics. The Blackwater River in Essex shows the same thing. Their water samples had 15 microplastics for every liter.
Microplastics have been widely known to be harmful to marine life because marine animals often mistake them for food. In a recent survey conducted in the UK, microplastic was found is every marine mammal that died. In the 2017 report, microplastics are not only found in marine water, but they have contaminated fresh water sources too. They could be in the tap water people are drinking.
The problem with microplastic needs to be dealt with now before it becomes too late for everyone.
