Plastic Pollution in Lake Geneva Found to be as High as in Oceans.
New research has revealed that plastic pollution levels in Lake Geneva, located in Switzerland, are comparable to those found in the oceans. Geneva-based non-profit organization Oceaneye, which has been collecting plastic fragments from the seas for over a decade, recently turned its attention to the landlocked country.
Pascal Hagmann, the founder and director of Oceaneye, stated that the microplastic pollution on the surface of Lake Geneva is of a similar magnitude to that found in the oceans. Despite the perception of Lake Geneva as a pristine alpine lake with crystal-clear waters, the research has shown that plastic pollution is a significant issue. The lake covers 580 square kilometers and straddles France and Switzerland, ultimately emptying into the Rhone River and eventually the Mediterranean Sea. The water from Lake Geneva is treated and piped into homes in bordering cantons, including Evian, which is popular for its bottled water.
Microplastics result from the breakdown of consumer and industrial plastic waste and are accumulating in oceans worldwide. The health risks of microplastic pollution for both humans and animals are still being studied. Hagmann expressed concern that rising plastic consumption will lead to more litter in water systems and stressed the importance of taking action to address the issue.
