Microplastic pollution in Welsh rivers 'a major concern'

Tiny pieces of plastic pollution have been found in rivers and lakes in Wales, research suggests.

Researchers surveying 10 sites across the UK, including Afon Cegin in North Wales and Llyn Cefni reservoir on Anglesey, found they all contained "microplastics".

The study by Bangor University and Friends of the Earth used a fluorescence lighting system to identify and count microplastic pollution of less than 5mm in size such as fragments, fibres and film.

Friends of the Earth and Dr Christian Dunn of Bangor University, who led the research, say the findings suggest that microplastics should be considered as an "emergent contaminant" like pharmaceutical waste and pesticides.

Routine monitoring of all UK waters must now take place, they urged.

Dr Dunn said: "It was more than a little startling to discover microplastics were present in even the most remote sites we tested, and quite depressing they were there in some of our country's most iconic locations.

"These initial findings, from our team at Bangor University with Friends of the Earth, show that we have to start taking the issue of plastic in our inland waters seriously."

He said that plastic was polluting rivers, lakes and wetlands in a similar manner to other emerging contaminants, and the dangers they presented to wildlife and people, and the levels in waterways, were not yet known.

But he said there was a need to monitor all inland waters for microplastics.

Julian Kirby, plastics campaigner at Friends of the Earth said: "The widespread contamination of our rivers and lakes with microplastic pollution is a major concern, and people will understandably want to know what impact this could have on their health and environment.

"Plastic pollution is everywhere - it's been found in our rivers, our highest mountains and our deepest oceans."

The preliminary findings, which are being submitted for publication in a scientific peer-reviewed journal, show a range in levels of microplastics per litre of water in the different water bodies.