Plastic waste in lake Geneva has released pollutants into the water.
Keystone
Analysis of plastic waste washed up from Lake Geneva has revealed hazardous levels of bromine and cadmium that presents a clear threat to wildlife. Researchers also detected high concentrations of mercury and lead among the litter.
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 polystyrene that washed up on the shores of the lake. Some 600 waste objects were also x-rayed in the laboratory.
The bromine content of 19 articles was above the European Union limit while dangerous levels of cadmium were found in 57 articles. Lead was detected in a quarter of all objects, with 65 showing levels above the EU threshold.
The report’s authors warned that the plastic waste represents a threat to wildlife, either by eating or becoming entangled in objects, or through contamination by toxins. Furthermore, many objects represented a hazard to boats as they could foul propellers.
The report made no mention of the toxic waste posing a significant threat to human safety.
More
More
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.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
Green Liberal party members criticise handling of Ameti affair
This content was published on
Some Green Liberals say the party acted too quickly after Zurich politician Sanija Ameti fired shots at an image of Jesus and Mary.
This content was published on
Switzerland has a new supercomputer named "Alps", officially inaugurated on Saturday at the National Supercomputing Centre in Lugano.
Cold front leads to record-low temperatures in Switzerland
This content was published on
Friday's cold front caused record temperatures and closed mountain passes. The snow line was between 1,200 and 1,500m on Saturday, MeteoSwiss reported.
Collecting of vote signatures to continue in Switzerland as planned
This content was published on
The Swiss government is refraining from taking drastic emergency measures following the revelation of suspected cases of fraud.
Swiss VAT to rise by 0.7 points to finance 13th pension payment
This content was published on
VAT is to be increased by 0.7 percentage points in Switzerland to finance the 13th monthly pension payment. This payment will be introduced in 2026.
Swiss rents expected to keep rising owing to low vacancy rates
This content was published on
Although the decline in vacancies has slowed this year, it is likely to continue next year, according to UBS. As a result, rents are expected to continue to rise.
Swiss government wants to support cantons financially after storms
This content was published on
The Swiss government wants to secure additional financial aid for cantons Graubünden, Ticino, Valais, Vaud and Bern following the severe storms last summer.
Eight years for parents who killed disabled daughter in Switzerland
This content was published on
A couple who killed their severely disabled daughter in Hägglingen, northern Switzerland, have each been sentenced to eight years in prison.
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
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.
Clean-up finally underway at mercury pollution site
This content was published on
Workers have started excavating mercury-contaminated soil from gardens and private land in the small Swiss town of Raron.
This content was published on
Subject to approval by the Federal Environmental Office, exports of mercury dental amalgam will be permitted until the end of 2027, a government statement said. The deadline for other mercury exports, for electric discharge lamps and welding machines, was set for the end of 2020. The measures are aimed at withdrawing recycled mercury from the…
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.