Microplastic pollution in oceans is far worse than feared, say scientists

clock • 4 min read

A study reveals highest microplastic pollution levels ever recorded in a river in Manchester, UK and shows that billions of particles flooded into the sea from rivers in the area in just one year

The number of tiny plastic pieces polluting the world's oceans is vastly greater than thought, new research indicates. The work reveals the highest microplastic pollution yet discovered anywhere in...

To continue reading this article...

Join BusinessGreen

In just a few clicks you can start your free BusinessGreen Lite membership for 12 months, providing you access to:

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis, and opinion from Europe’s leading source of information on the Green economy and business
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our daily news alert
  • Our weekly newsletter with the best of the week’s green business news and analysis

Join now

 

Already a BusinessGreen member?

Login

More on Waste

Councils call on government and manufacturers to help tackle 'mountain' of broken fridges

Councils call on government and manufacturers to help tackle 'mountain' of broken fridges

Local Government Association warns action required to tackle growing backlog of broken fridges at recycling centres

clock 29 August 2026 • 4 min read
From pledge to real progress: Achieving No.10's food redistribution goal

From pledge to real progress: Achieving No.10's food redistribution goal

The government should support industry progress already being made on food waste rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, writes the Food and Drink Federation's Natalie Verner, co-chair of the UK Food and Drink Pact Redistribution Working Group

Natalie Verner, Food and Drink Federation
clock 24 August 2026 • 4 min read
Government launches latest crackdown on illegal waste sites

Government launches latest crackdown on illegal waste sites

Prime Minister announces increase in fines for a range of waste offences, as clear up of illegal dumps expands

James Murray
clock 20 August 2026 • 3 min read