Mersey contains 'more plastic pollution than Great Pacific Garbage Patch'
A new study has revealed the levels of microplastics in the River
New research from Greanpeace has found the River Mersey contains more plastic pollution than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Investigators collected 942 microplastic pieces by sampling the water surface at two locations on the Mersey for half an hour each - equating to more than 2 million pieces of microplastic per square kilometre.
This is double the 1 million pieces per sq km found at one of the most plastic-polluted expanses of water on earth the Great Pacific Garden Patch.
The research was conducted by scientists and campaigners who collected water samples in February and March at separate points along 13 rivers.
Each of the samples were then analysed by Greenpeace scientists at the University of Exeter by using a cutting-edge infrared plastic detector called a fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR).
Greenpeace are now putting pressure on the Government to set 'legally-binding' plastic reduction targets in the upcoming Environment Bill.
Fiona Nicholls, ocean plastics campaigner for Greenpeace UK, said: "This study is a wake-up call for Government.
"Fiddling around the edges of the plastic pollution problem by banning straws simply doesn't cut it.
"We need to see bold new plastic reduction targets in the upcoming Environment Bill, and aim to at least halve single use plastic production by 2025.''
Steve Backshall, wildlife expert and TV presenter, said: "Greenpeace's study has discovered that the River Mersey is even more polluted than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - surely this will galvanise us all into doing something about this.
"Plastic pollution isn't just a domestic issue, its impacts are seen on wildlife and humans all over the world.
"For the sake of nature and for the sake of future generations we need to stop producing so much of it - it's the only way forward.'