Plastic pollution in the Thames

Scientists have discovered that 94,000 pieces of microplastic per second flow down the Thames. The source of the plastic is thought to be predominantly from food packaging and other single use plastic materials that have broken down. Wet wipes that have been flushed down the toilet are also collecting along the river banks.

It has been discovered that crabs living in the river have ingested the plastics, with many found to have fibres and microplastics from elastic bands and plastic bags, amongst other items, inside their stomachs. Clams also have been found to have ingested materials.

When compared to other rivers, levels in the Thames are noticeably higher than many polluted European rivers, including the Rhine in Germany. Other rivers tested throughout the UK have also had microplastics discovered.

For more on this report and the link to the scientific research that underpins this report, check out the following:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/sci...