Rubbish and packaging thrown away (10 tonnes) is the second main source of plastic trash in the lake – around 10 tonnes a year – followed by plastics used in construction work (3.3 tonnes), and particles from textiles (2.2 tonnes), paint (0.9 tonnes) and cosmetics (0.7 tonnes).
The study, led by Julien Boucher, together with the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), estimates that 99% of the plastic that ends up in the lake are dropped as litter and particles washed away via gutters, ditches and drains. Only one tenth of the plastic that is thrown or flushed into the lake is evacuated via the Rhône River, near Geneva.
According to tests, most of the plastic waste appears to accumulate in sediment at the bottom of the lake and very little is broken down even on the surface. Sizeable amounts of plastic waste are absorbed by fauna, especially birds and fish.
To combat the problem of plastic waste, the ASL is urging large companies to limit the amount of plastic used especially in packaging, and for consumers to favour reusable materials and containers.
A study published earlier this year found that plastic waste washed up from Lake Geneva had hazardous levels of bromine and cadmium that presented a clear threat to wildlife. Researchers also detected high concentrations of mercury and lead among the litter.
More
More
Nestlé ranked among top plastic polluters worldwide
This content was published on
Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and the Swiss food giant Nestlé are the world’s biggest producers of plastic waste, according to an indicative study by Greenpeace.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
This content was published on
Switzerland has an international reputation for cleanliness and pristine landscape, but a team of scientists from the University of Geneva and Britain has revealed that the lake is as susceptible to plastic waste problems as the ocean. The team analysed 3,000 objects, such as toys, pens, cotton swabs, food packaging and fragments of foam and…
This content was published on
The research, carried out by scientists from Lausanne’s Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) and commissioned by the Federal Office for the Environment, found that the concentrations present in the lakes did not pose a direct threat to the environment and quality of drinking water inside Switzerland. “But these are not natural particles and they don’t…
Rhine has one of highest concentrations of microplastics
This content was published on
The River Rhine flowing between the cities of Basel and Rotterdam has one of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world, according to a study by researchers from the University of Basel.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.