Recent studies reveal concerning levels of microplastics in major European rivers, with an average of three microplastics per cubic meter detected across various locations. This pollution permeates well-known rivers such as the Thames and Tiber, and while concentrations are lower compared to the world's most polluted rivers, the ecological impact remains significant due to the high flow rates. Notably, the research emphasizes the dominance of microplastics that are invisible to the naked eye, which can infiltrate the food web and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. The cooperative study involved numerous scientists and advanced analytical methods to assess river pollution levels.
"The pollution is present in all European rivers studied, said French scientist Jean-François Ghiglione, who coordinated the large-scale operation across nine major rivers from the Thames to the Tiber."
"The mass of microplastics invisible to the naked eye is more significant than that of the visible ones," said Ghiglione -- a result that "surprised" researchers.
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