When we think of plastic pollution, we often think of the oceans. Yet plastic pollution in freshwater<\/strong> begins long before, in rivers, lakes and canals. These environments serve as vectors and storage areas for plastics, long before they reach the sea. <\/p>\n\n According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over 9 million tonnes of plastic<\/strong> are dumped into aquatic environments every year. Much of this goes into freshwater, where it causes damage that is still largely underestimated. <\/p>\n\n Plastics found in freshwater environments come from a variety of sources:<\/p>\n\n Once in the water, this waste breaks down into microplastics (<<\/strong> 5 mm)<\/strong> and nanoplastics<\/strong>, invisible to the naked eye. These particles pollute watercourses over the long term, affecting fauna, flora and water quality. <\/p>\n\n Rivers, wetlands, ponds and streams are among the richest ecosystems… and the most vulnerable. The effects of plastic pollution in freshwater<\/strong> are manifold: <\/p>\n\n These impacts threaten not only biodiversity, but also human health through the consumption of contaminated water and fish.<\/p>\n\n Studying plastic pollution in freshwater is a challenge, because it is so diffuse and microscopic. Scientists are developing increasingly sophisticated tools: <\/p>\n\n These innovations make it possible to map pollution, identify sources, and test concrete solutions such as filters, booms or alternative materials.<\/p>\n\n To effectively combat plastic pollution in freshwater, we need to adopt a systemic vision. Rivers are more than just canals: they are actors in the ecological transition<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n This implies :<\/p>\n\n The fight against plastic pollution in freshwater<\/strong> requires a better understanding of these phenomena. It is in these close, concrete and measurable environments that sustainable solutions can emerge. <\/p>\n\n Research plays a central role in :<\/p>\n\n Taking action against plastic pollution in freshwater<\/strong> protects not only ecosystems, but also our water resources, our health and our future. By rethinking our relationship with plastic and water, we can reverse the trend. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Plastic pollution in freshwater poses a serious threat to rivers and lakes. Find out about its impact on biodiversity, scientific solutions and why local action is crucial. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1250","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPersistent, ubiquitous plastic pollution<\/h2>\n\n
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Freshwater ecosystems heavily impacted<\/h2>\n\n
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Cutting-edge technology to track plastics<\/h2>\n\n
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Rivers and watersheds: at the heart of solutions<\/h2>\n\n
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Understanding for action: towards sustainable management of plastic pollution<\/h2>\n\n
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Restoring rivers, protecting our future<\/h2>\n\n