Microplastics survey discovers UK river more polluted than 'great Pacific garbage patch'

A survey of 13 UK rivers has found they all contain microplastics - and one is more polluted than the "great Pacific garbage patch", Greenpeace said.
Scientists took samples from several UK rivers including the River Clyde. Picture: John DevlinScientists took samples from several UK rivers including the River Clyde. Picture: John Devlin
Scientists took samples from several UK rivers including the River Clyde. Picture: John Devlin

Research released by the environmental group found the 13 rivers tested across the UK from the Exe in south-west England to the Lagan in Northern Ireland, found they all had tiny pieces of plastic measuring less than 5mm.Greenpeace is calling for the Government to introduce "bold" new plastic reduction targets and create an independent watchdog with powers to enforce them.Scientists and campaigners, including Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright, sampled points along the rivers Exe, Thames, Severn, Great Ouse, Trent, Mersey, Aire, Derwent, Wear, Conwy, Wye and Lagan. In Scotland, scientists took samples from the River Clyde.