Researchers from the University of Barcelona (UB) discovered that: Artificial grass placed on sports fields is on the market microplastics reaching rivers and seasand make up 15% of plastics smaller than five millimeters floating in aquatic environments.
As explained in a statement by UB, researchers analyzed 217 water samples collected off the coast of Barcelona and 200 water samples from the Guadalquivir and They found artificial grass fibers in 62% of marine samples and 37% of river water.
The concentration of microplastics reaches over 200,000 fibers per square kilometer of sea surface and over 20,000 fibers per day in river waters.
According to the research, the differences between sea and river waters are due to the lower retention of plastics in rivers and the accumulation of artificial grass fibers in coastal areas over years or decades.
“Two of the plastic fibers we found are fibers that normally float in the aquatic environment, which fits current trends in global artificial turf production. These microplastics are especially concentrated on coasts near major cities.“, detailed the study’s first author, William P. de Haan.
The study, published in the journal ‘Environmental Pollution’, proposes a methodological guide to identify microplastics in artificial turf in future studies so that the true impact of these materials on the environment can be better investigated.
“Rethinking green plastic facilities”
Although the analyzes were carried out in two specific regions of Spain, the study shows that it is expected that other cities will also be able to supply artificial grass fibres. The amount reaching the environment may depend on factors such as the type, use and age of sports fields.and prevention measures implemented to prevent contamination.
Between 1,200 and 1,400 artificial turf sports fields are installed in the European Union every year.
“If we want to end plastic pollution, Green plastic installations on public surfaces such as school playgrounds, sports fields, music festivals, gyms, private gardens or terraces should be rethought.” emphasized Anna Sánchez-Vidal, one of the study’s authors.
Between 1,200 and 1,400 artificial turf sports fields are established every year in the European Union. A material that simulates natural grass using synthetic fibers, mainly plastic.
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