How we're highlighting microplastic pollution in the UK's rivers
18 May 2021
University researchers have identified the main cause of microplastic pollution in the UK’s rivers and are calling for more to be done to tackle the problem
New research by experts from our University has found that the poor management of untreated wastewater and raw sewage by water companies is the main source of microplastic pollution in the UK’s rivers.
Three years ago, researchers from the Department of Geography were the first to demonstrate high levels of microplastic contamination on the UK’s river beds.
The latest research, published in the journal Nature Sustainability and featured by the BBC, the Guardian and in other media, has found that water companies themselves are the cause of this contamination, as they are releasing wastewater during periods of dry weather into river flows that are too sluggish to disperse microplastics downstream.
The quality of river bed habitats underpins the entire river ecosystem because many creatures live, feed and reproduce in this environment - when they are contaminated with microplastics, ecosystem exposure is maximised because the particles are stored on the bed for weeks or months before they are flushed away by flooding.
The river bed is the worst place for extended periods of microplastic contamination because it increases opportunities for ingestion by aquatic creatures, and for them to move through the food chain. Microplastics are also vectors for other contaminants present in wastewater.
The researchers say that conventional treatment removes the great bulk of the microplastic load in wastewater – therefore, river beds that are heavily contaminated with microplastics provide a clear indication of poor wastewater management.
The discharge of raw sewage to rivers is already controversial and has generated widespread condemnation. An inquiry into Water Quality in Rivers is currently underway by the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee. However, our researchers are calling for more to be done to tackle the problem.
“Water companies must stop releasing untreated sewage and wastewater into rivers during periods of dry weather, as this causes river beds to be heavily contaminated with microplastics and maximises habitat damage,” said Jamie Woodward, Professor of Physical Geography, who led the research. “Rivers are also the main supplier of microplastics to the oceans - to tackle the global marine microplastic problem, we need to limit their input to rivers.”
“We are asking the water companies to be guided by the science, and to shoulder their responsibilities. We are also calling for stronger regulation from the Environment Agency to police water company discharges.”
The research is delivering on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
- Find out how we're confronting the challenges facing humanity and the natural world in our Sustainable Development Goals report.