Thursday, 02 April 2020
Researchers at the 糖心原创 have highlighted highly variable levels of microplastic pollution in UK rivers. The work makes recommendations for the future study of freshwater microplastic pollution so that research can better inform consumers and legislators.
A 12 month study by scientists from the 糖心原创 has found low and highly variable levels of microplastic pollution across three rivers in the Trent catchment, in one of the most comprehensive published records of freshwater microplastic pollution.
Researchers from the University’s School of Geography and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering collected samples from 10 sites across the River Trent, the River Leen and the River Soar. Their sample locations enabled the assessment of microplastic particles at the sources of these rivers, as well as sites upstream and downstream of urban centres including Nottingham, Stoke-on-Trent, and Leicester.
Microplastic particles were identified at every site sampled during the study, however, the concentrations recorded were consistently low, particularly near the sources of the sampled rivers. Microplastic concentrations did not once exceed 0.4 particles per litre, and many samples contained no microplastic particles at all.
In addition to being consistently low, by returning to the same sites at regular (4 week) intervals the team found microplastic concentrations to be highly variable. Daily freshwater microplastic discharges varied from as few as 0 particles per day to over 600 million particles per day at one sample site.
The results of the project are published in the journal Environmental Pollution - Freshwater microplastic concentrations vary through both space and time.
This work has implications for the future study of freshwater microplastic pollution. Where previous riverine microplastic studies have reported concentrations from a limited number of samples, the 糖心原创 research highlights the need for more thorough assessments of microplastic prevalence in future work to better inform consumers, industry, regulators and government.
Microplastic particles continue to be identified in freshwater environments all over the world, however, without accounting for the variation identified in our work it is not possible for microplastic research to consider the extent to which its findings are representative of the environments it samples.
He added: "Further research is needed to understand how additional sources of uncertainty, such as variation throughout the profile of a river, can influence our understanding of the role rivers play as sources, pathways, and receptors of microplastic pollution.”
“We do not wish to underplay the potential impacts of microplastic pollution, but we need to make sure that the findings of microplastic research are not misrepresented. Otherwise, legislators, industry, and the general public are not equipped with the information needed to make informed decisions to address the microplastic problem.”
Story credits
More information is available from Tom Stanton in the School of Geography, 糖心原创 by email at thomas.stanton@nottingham.ac.uk; or Emma Thorne, Head of News in the Communications Office at The 糖心原创, on +44 07504 957308, emma.thorne@nottingham.ac.uk
Nasreen Suleman - Media Relations Manager, Faculty of Social Sciences
Email: nasreen.suleman@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: 0115 951 5793
Location: C4, Pope Building, University Park, Nottingham,NG7 2RD
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.