Protective masks and gloves were " systematically " found in seven major European rivers in June, said a spokesperson for the Tara Foundation on Sunday, alerting them to the danger of this plastic pollution linked to the health crisis.
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" Scientists in Tara's partner laboratories " have systematically found masks and gloves "on the banks and beaches of seven European rivers, during samples taken" in June ", declared on France Inter Romy Hentinger, head of advocacy and the international cooperation of the foundation.
" This is worrying for the future " because " we can deduce that others have already arrived at sea, " added the spokesperson, stressing that the protective masks for single use, made of polypropylene and " very fine " , " Will fragment quickly ".
The rivers studied are part of the nine major European rivers explored in 2019 by the scientific schooner, as part of a mission on microplastics: the Thames, the Elbe, the Rhine, the Seine, the Ebro, the Rhône, the Tiber, Garonne and Loire. " We are awaiting the final results of these scientists who are still completing these rivers, " added Romy Hentinger.
The expedition from May to November 2019 had highlighted the presence of microplastics in 100% of water samples, showing that they are already present from rivers and " do not degrade at sea, under the influence of UV rays and salt "as we thought, explained Martin Hertau, captain of this floating laboratory.