Microplastics contamination found in Swiss nature reserve soils
In one of the first studies of its kind, University of Bern researchers have discovered an estimated 53 tonnes of microplastics in the floodplain soils of Swiss nature reserves.
While plastic pollution in the ocean and freshwater bodies is a well-known phenomenon, the extent of the problem in soils is still not clear. To gather their data, researchers at the university’s Institute of Geography had to develop a novel method using microscopy for identifying and measuring the tiny particles in 29 floodplain soils from across Switzerland.
“Although the sites are located in nature reserves, microplastics were found in 90% of the soils,” said co-author Moritz Bigalke in a University of Bern press releaseExternal link on Friday.
Most of the contamination was found near larger pieces of plastic, which suggests that the microplastics were produced by the physical breakdown of larger waste. But some microplastics were found isolated in the soil of more remote and mountainous regions, suggesting they may have been carried there by the wind.
One connection was clear: “The more people living in a specific area, the more contaminated the soil”, the press release said.
Co-author Michael Scheurer called the findings “alarming” because there is evidence that soil microplastics can harm or even kill earthworms – organisms that play a key role in soil fertility.
The researchers conclude that further research is needed, especially the concentrations of microplastics in agricultural soils and their potential impact on the food chain.
First large-scale alpine solar plant approved in Switzerland
This content was published on
The approval was met with satisfaction by the project's organisers, but it also brings with it a certain amount of pressure.
Medieval squirrels may have ‘helped spread leprosy’
This content was published on
An examination of squirrel remains in the United Kingdom has opened up interesting questions and possibilities in terms of the history of the disease.
Swiss money laundering office registers record number of reports
This content was published on
The Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) registered a record number of reports of suspicious activity last year.
Two teens accused of planning terror attack released from custody
This content was published on
The Schaffhausen judiciary has released the two teenagers from custody who allegedly planned bomb attacks in Switzerland.
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
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.
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…
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.