Plastic microparticles are ingested by a range of animals, including large vertebrates, and can deteriorate water quality. However, little is known about how human activity affects the concentration of microparticles in lakes.
Plastic microparticles are ingested by a range of animals, including large vertebrates, and can deteriorate water quality. However, little is known about how human activity affects the concentration of microparticles in lakes.
The study also found that microparticle concentrations in the sampled lakes were accurately predicted based on their water quality and surrounding land use.
In addition to variation in microparticle concentrations with land use, there were five times fewer microparticles in lakes with more active microorganisms. This suggests that some naturally occurring species can help remove microparticle pollution. Future studies are needed to isolate microorganisms from the natural environment and test their ability to degrade microplastics and fibres.
Read more at: University of Cambridge
