2023-10-11 16:58:34
Researchers of the University of Barcelona (UB) have discovered that the artificial grass installed on soccer fields releases microplastics that come directly to seas and riverscausing them their pollution. These represent the 15% of the total plastics of less than five millimeters that wash up in these aquatic environments.
Scientists have analyzed 217 samples of water collected on the coast of Barcelona and others 200 more in the Guadalquivirfinding fibers of this artificial grass in a 62% of those collected from mar and in a 37% of those collected in the ríoas explained by the UB in a statement published this Wednesday.
“Two of the plastic fibers we have found match the prototype of artificial grass that is manufactured today. These microplastics are especially concentrated on the coast near large cities”detailed William P. de Haan, first author of the study.
The study, which has been published in the environmental magazine ‘Environmental Pollution’, proposes a guide to identify microplastics in artificial grass in future work, so that the real impact of this material on the environment can be analyzed. In turn, the research indicates that it is likely that other spanish cities They are also suffering from microplastic contamination, coming from the artificial grass in sports areas, in their rivers and seas.
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“If we want to end plastic pollution, we must consider the idea of not installing green plastic on public surfaces, such as schoolyards, sports areas, music festivals or terraces”remarked another of the study’s researchers, Anna Sánchez-Vidal.
Every year, In the European Union, between 1,200 and 1,400 grass sports fields are installed artificial, which simulates natural grass but with another material, mainly composed of plastic.
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