Microplastic pollution is worse in freshwater lakes than the world’s oceans. That includes lakes and reservoirs in Kansas. A recent study found plastic debris in all of the lakes and reservoirs researchers examined. Much of the pollution is plastics broken off from other materials, like t-shirts, blankets and water bottles. Ted Harris is a University of Kansas professor who participated in the study. He says even lakes far from people are polluted because plastics can travel very long distances. He says bans on single use plastics appear to help reduce microplastic pollution but more action is needed.
The global study found plastic debris in all of the lakes and reservoirs studied by researchers. The study found that microplastics are contaminating freshwater lakes at a higher concentration than what’s been found in the world’s oceans. The Lawrence City Commission voted this week to ban single use plastic bags beginning in March.
