Environmentalists have calculated the amount of plastic in the Ganges river
The Ganges River is one of the largest in the world. It provides water for about half a billion people. It is also one of the most polluted on the planet, according to Environmental Pollution.
A new study has shown that the combined runoffs of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna bring up to three billion microplastics particles to the Bay of Bengal every day. An international team of scientists collected over 60 samples of river water.
Then they were analyzed in the laboratories of the University of Plymouth. Microplastic was detected in 43 (71.6%) samples taken before the monsoon and in 37 (61.6%) samples collected after. The most common types of microplastics were viscose (54%) and acrylic (24%). They are commonly used to make clothing.
Scientists noted that they took water samples in different areas: rural, urban, agricultural, tourist, even in temple areas. The highest concentrations of debris were found closer to the river mouth in Bhol, Bangladesh.
The authors of the scientific work compared the data obtained with the volume of river flows and came to the conclusion that the Ganges delta carries from one to three billion plastic particles every day.
Globally, it is estimated that up to 60 billion pieces of microplastics are thrown from rivers into the ocean every day. Scientists noted that this problem requires careful study. Research like this can help identify key sources of microplastics and take steps to reduce debris.
Earlier, experts named the 10 most polluted rivers in the world. Almost all are in Asia.
