Microplastics have been steadily increasing in freshwater environments for decades and are directly tied to rising global plastic production since the 1950s, according to a new study by an interdisciplinary team.
The findings provide insight into how microplastics move and spread in freshwater environments, which could be important for creating long-term solutions to reduce pollution, the researchers said.
"Based on other findings in the literature, what we thought would be important turned out not to be driving forces in microplastic variation across sites, notably the percentage of microplastics related to developed area and population density," said Lisa Emili, associate professor of physical geography and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona and a co-author on the paper.
Additionally, Raymond Najjar, a professor of oceanography and a co-author on the paper, said that this study could shed light on the"missing plastics" paradox. This paradox challenges researchers' understanding of plastic waste in the ocean because, while estimates suggest that 7,000 to 25,000 kilotons of plastic enter the ocean each year, only about 250 kilotons are believed to be floating on the surface.
This research project was initially funded with an Institute of Energy and the Environment seed grant.
Engineering Engineering And Construction Civil Engineering Oceanography Ecology Environmental Issues Earth Science
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Microplastic Pollution Is Everywhere, Even in the Exhaled Breath of DolphinsMicroplastics are invisible but omnipresent.
Read more »
A history of Hindi cinema: The 1950sHindi cinema has long been thrilling, musical, and commentary-rich. Our seven-part series on its history begins with the 1950s.
Read more »
Plan Sur: Spain’s 1950s river diversion project that saved lives in 2024 floodsDiversion of the Túria river, sanctioned after the Great Flood of Valencia in 1957, is believed to have saved the city from submerging completely.
Read more »
Spain floods: How a 1950s river diversion prevented bigger catastrophe in 2024Diversion of the Túria river, sanctioned after the Great Flood of Valencia in 1957, is believed to have saved the city from submerging completely.
Read more »
Spain floods: How a 1950s river diversion prevented bigger catastrophe in 2024Diversion of the Túria river, sanctioned after the Great Flood of Valencia in 1957, is believed to have saved the city from submerging completely.
Read more »
Dub Jones, 1950s NFL Star Who Scored Record Six Touchdowns in One Game, Dies at 99The versatile All-Pro won three NFL championships with the Browns.
Read more »