It focused on the seven most used plastics, including PVC and PET, used in packaging, textiles, insulation materials and agricultural films. But it did not consider other plastics, in particular rubber, which is released into the environment from tyre abrasion, a statement released on Friday said.
Soil and water
Researchers followed the path of these plastics to the Swiss environment from production to disposal and developed a model with which these material flows could be calculated. They distinguished between microplastics (smaller than 5 millimeters) and macroplastics (larger than 5 millimeters).
They found 5,120 tons of the seven types of plastic were released into the environment a year, or 0.7% of the total amount of the seven plastics used a year.
The study showed that the amount of plastic that gets into the soil is about 40-times higher than the amount that is discharged into water.
Littering
“The main reason for this is littering – the careless throwing away of waste –, which pollutes in particular soils, but also waters, with macroplastics. The cleaning of public spaces allows the collection of a large part of this plastic. Nevertheless, part of it remains lying around,” Empa said in the statement.
“Another significant source of macroplastic in soils is the use of plastic films in agriculture. Macroplastic also reaches the soils through the composting of organic waste that contains plastic.”
Agriculture and the construction industry (such as wear and tear from foils on pipes) are the main sources of microplastics in soil. For water, it’s the washing and wearing of synthetic clothing and cosmetics. But these sources are low compared with those for modelled soil contamination, and wastewater treatments plants filter most of the microplastic out of the water, Empa added.
Recommendations
The federal agency says that plastic contamination of soils should now “be investigated more thoroughly”. In the meantime, recommendations include making consumers, as well as the waste and construction industries more aware about the impact of littering. Soil contamination in farming must also be addressed.
FOEN is currently considering further steps to reduce the environmental impact of plastics, the statement added.
More
More
Switzerland has no intention of banning single-use plastics
This content was published on
While the European Union intends to ban plastic straws, single-use cutlery, and other disposable plastics, the Swiss government has no plans to follow suit.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
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.
Read more
More
Plastic bag use continues to drop
This content was published on
Consumption of single-use plastic bags in some 30 Swiss food retailers has dropped 86% since they introduced a small charge in 2016.
It’s time for a national littering fine in Switzerland
This content was published on
Swiss resident Paul Douglas Lovell believes Switzerland needs to enact a nationwide fine for not properly disposing of trash.
Geneva meeting agrees landmark deal on plastic waste
This content was published on
Most of the world's countries meeting in Geneva have reached agreement on a legally binding framework to help regulate exports of plastic waste.
Are companies and consumers ready to shun plastic?
This content was published on
The massive amount of plastic pollution has ignited public concern as well as debate in Davos, but the real work is still to come.
Why beating plastic pollution must be a global priority
This content was published on
Humanity is addicted to plastic 100 years after its invention, warns Erik Solheim, executive director of United Nations Environment.
How to clear the ocean of plastic? With a giant sailing boat
This content was published on
The giant solar-powered catamaran to clean the ocean of plastic is the brainchild of French-Swiss navigator Yvan Bourgnon.
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.