Researchers from the University of Barcelona conducted a study in Andalusia and found that artificial turf is one of the main sources of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean.
An article published in the journal Environmental Pollution reports that up to 15% of macro and mesoplastics, including polyethylene and polypropylene artificial grass fibers, are found in water bodies.
For example, the Guadalquivir River carries up to 20,000 plastic fibers during the day and 213,200 particles per square kilometer of the Mediterranean’s surface waters.
Keep in mind that artificial turf, which is widely used as a replacement for natural surfaces in various venues, contains approximately 86% polyethylene and 14% polypropylene. Their use leads to the release of plastic particles into the environment. Previously, the amount of such plastic flows had not been determined.
According to the scientists, the results of this study raise concerns about the environmental consequences of using this type of grass.
Source: Ferra
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