Global rivers discharged 263,000 tons of microplastics into oceans in 2022

A study led by Peking University reveals that global rivers transported approximately 263,000 tons of microplastics to the oceans in 2022. The research, published in Science, indicates that 96% of this discharge originated from the global south, with Southeast and East Asia contributing more than half of the total despite representing only 14% of the world's land area. The Yangtze River in China was identified as the largest individual source.

Factors such as plastic consumption, inadequate waste management, and human development drive these concentrations. Additionally, extreme weather events and heavy rainfall can cause significant, short-term spikes in microplastic runoff into marine environments.

In response to emerging pollutants, AIMPLAS is developing technologies to help the water sector adapt to new European regulations, specifically Directive (EU) 2024/3019. This directive mandates advanced treatments for microcontaminants in large urban wastewater treatment plants and requires member states to implement monitoring programs for microplastics and other substances like PFAS and pharmaceuticals.