An international team of scientists led by Pennsylvania State University in the United States has concluded that microplastics can increase erosion in river channels. This affects ecosystems and riparian habitats. To work published In the scientific journal Communications Earth & Environment.
Microplastics are pieces of plastic that are less than five millimeters in size. According to research, they can penetrate the bodies of people and animals and accumulate in them, negatively affecting health.
Experts found that plastic particles give river sand greater mobility due to the lower density. This allows streams to clear sand deposits more easily and also makes the water more turbid.
Experts say that as the global amount of polymer waste increases, erosion processes in streams and estuaries will accelerate.
According to Roberto Fernandez, a member of the science team, the data will determine the minimum amount of plastic that will be sufficient to destroy the sand deposits. In a next step, the team will assess the damage done to the ecology of river systems due to plastic pollution.
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