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Rivers Choke on Microplastics: New Global Data
16 Oct
Summary
- Rivers globally exported 263,000 tons of microplastics in 2022.
- Just 20 rivers account for half of all microplastic exports.
- Developing countries contribute 96 percent of riverine exports.
A pioneering study has unveiled the first daily global dataset of riverine microplastic concentrations and exports. This research indicates that rivers transport significantly more microplastics to the ocean than previously estimated. In 2022 alone, global rivers exported approximately 263,000 metric tons of microplastics.
The study found that microplastic exports are highly concentrated, with a mere 20 rivers contributing about 50 percent of the total. Notably, rivers in developing countries accounted for 96 percent of these exports, with Southeast and East Asia being major contributors.
Researchers emphasized that riverine microplastic transport is dynamic, with extreme rainfall events playing a crucial role. Approximately 70 percent of annual exports in high-emission rivers occur during the rainy season due to increased runoff and resuspension of accumulated plastics.
The findings suggest that global riverine microplastic pollution results from a complex interplay of human activities and hydroclimatic processes. Future pollution control efforts should prioritize high-emission river basins and major rivers in the Global South, focusing on managing plastic waste effectively, especially around rainy seasons.
