The Rivers Are Clearing an Impressive Amount of Microplastics in the Ocean

Turns Out, Rivers Are a Major Mover of Microplastics

Rivers aren't just carrying water to the seas—they're moving plastic there by the tone. A new study in Science estimates that in 2022, rivers dumped about 260,000 metric tons of microplastics into the ocean, far more than previously thought, reports the Washington Post. About 96% cam from developing...

Rivers are delivering a staggering amount of microplastics into the ocean, study finds

Nearly all ocean microplastic pollution — 96 percent — comes from rivers in developing countries. High plastic use, mismanagement of plastic waste, strong rainfall and high solar radiation are major factors.

Heavy Rainfall Is Driving Surges of Microplastic Pollution Into Rivers Worldwide

A global analysis finds rivers delivered roughly 263,000 tons of microplastics to oceans in 2022, with 96% originating from the Global South, and heavy rainfall making it worse.