<
https://www.sciencealert.com/1st-plastics-pollution-weather-forecast-predicts-88-pounds-of-microplastic-over-paris>
'Diplomats from 175 countries gathering in Paris for plastics treaty talks on
Monday may want to pack an umbrella, but not just because there's a chance of
rain.
France's capital will also be showered during the five-day talks by billions of
microplastic particles falling from the sky, according to the first-ever
plastics pollution weather forecast.
The predicted downpour will range between 40 and 48 kilograms (88 and 106
pounds) of free-floating plastic bits blanketing greater Paris every 24 hours,
the scientists involved told AFP.
If the weather delivers heavy rain, the "plastic fall" is likely to increase up
to tenfold.
"This should sharpen the focus of negotiators," said Marcus Gover, head of
plastics research at the Minderoo Foundation based in Perth, Australia.
"Plastic particles break down into the environment and this toxic cocktail ends
up in our bodies, where it does unimaginable damage to our health."
Concern over the impact of plastics on the environment and human wellbeing has
surged in recent years along with a crescendo of research documenting its
omnipresence and persistence.
In nature, multi-colored microplastics – by definition, less than 5 millimeters
(0.2 inches) in diameter – have been found in ice near the North Pole and
inside fish navigating the oceans' deepest, darkest recesses.
Plastic debris is estimated to kill more than a million seabirds and 100,000
marine mammals each year, according to the United Nations Environment Program,
and filter-feeding blue whales consume up to 10 million pieces of microplastic
every day.'
Via Rixty Dixet.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
