SCIENCE
Big rise in microplastics found around UK coastline
Microplastics are defined as any plastic particle smaller than 5mm in diameter
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Researchers have found microplastic pollution around the UK coastline at concentrations nearly 100 times greater in some places than five years ago.
The tiny particles of plastic, defined as any smaller than 5mm in diameter, have become almost ubiquitous across oceans and land as larger pieces of plastic are broken down.
Now a survey by rowers and the University of Portsmouth has exposed the true extent of the pollution in coastal waters and inland along the River Thames.
A 2017 study found floating concentrations of between 0 and 1.5 microplastic particles per cubic metre. However, the new research found an average of 20 per cubic metre at 27 sites around the country.
The highest levels, 121 per cubic metre, were found in the Thames. Waters
