Publication

Microplastics in Swiss surface waters, and upstream

Luiz Felippe De Alencastro
2015
Posters

Abstract

Aquatic pollution due to plastics, and especially microplastics ( < 5 mm), is becoming the subject of growing research together with an increasing awareness of their environmental harm. Most of the studies focus on oceans and the situation in freshwaters remains largely unknown, with data for rivers and lakes remaining fragmentary. 80% of marine plastic pollution is considered as having a continental origin, although few studies document this statement and the precise sources remain unclear. Microplastic pollution is a reality in Switzerland, in all matrices. Toxicity is unclear, but fauna is prone to microplastics ingestion and exposed to associated pollutants

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https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/3d62464e-4924-4a04-a595-2e65c220f7e8

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Luiz Felippe De Alencastro
2015
Posters

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/3d62464e-4924-4a04-a595-2e65c220f7e8

About this result

Related concepts (20)

Marine plastic pollution

Marine plastic pollution (or plastic pollution in the ocean) is a type of marine pollution by plastics, ranging in size from large original material such as bottles and bags, down to microplastics formed from the fragmentation of plastic material. Marine debris is mainly discarded human rubbish which floats on, or is suspended in the ocean. Eighty percent of marine debris is plastic. Microplastics and nanoplastics result from the breakdown or photodegradation of plastic waste in surface waters, rivers or oceans.

Plastic pollution

Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles (e.g. plastic bottles, bags and microbeads) in the Earth's environment that adversely affects humans, wildlife and their habitat. Plastics that act as pollutants are categorized by size into micro-, meso-, or macro debris. Plastics are inexpensive and durable, making them very adaptable for different uses; as a result, manufacturers choose to use plastic over other materials.

Water pollution

Water pollution (or aquatic pollution) is the contamination of water bodies, usually as a result of human activities, so that it negatively affects its uses. Water bodies include lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers, reservoirs and groundwater. Water pollution results when contaminants mix with these water bodies. Contaminants can come from one of four main sources: sewage discharges, industrial activities, agricultural activities, and urban runoff including stormwater. Water pollution is either surface water pollution or groundwater pollution.

Related publications (1)

Microplastics in Swiss surface waters, and upstream

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Microstructure-based modeling of snow using the material point method and finite strain elastoplasticity