Lake Geneva, a picturesque water body nestled at the base of the majestic Alps, has long been revered for its apparent pristine nature. However, a recent research study has unveiled alarming levels of plastic pollution in the lake, comparable to those found in the world's oceans.
Geneva-based non-profit organization Oceaneye, renowned for its dedicated efforts in plastic waste collection from oceans, has now turned its attention inwards to Switzerland's landlocked regions.
"We compared the levels with the ocean data and reached the conclusion that the microplastic pollution on the lake surface is of the same order of magnitude as that found in the oceans," revealed Pascal Hagmann, Oceaneye's founder and director.
He was speaking from the deck of a sailing vessel engaged in collecting samples from Lake Geneva, locally known as Lac Léman.
Hagmann elaborated on the startling findings, stating;
"We found that interesting because we often have the image of the Leman Lake as a big Alpine lake with crystal waters but it's not really the case."
Spanning an area of 580 square kilometers, Lake Geneva is the largest lake in Western Europe, straddling the borders of Switzerland and France. Fed by Alpine glaciers and flowing into the Rhone River, which eventually merges with the Mediterranean Sea, the lake plays a crucial role in the region's ecosystem.
Inhabitants of the cantons bordering Switzerland treat the lake's water, transforming it into drinking water that flows into homes. The lake's French side is home to the town of Evian, renowned for its natural spring water, which is also sold as a bottled water brand.
Microplastics, resulting from the gradual breakdown of various forms of consumer and industrial plastic waste, are increasingly becoming a concern due to their accumulation in oceans worldwide. These microscopic plastic particles have even been detected in the bloodstream of unborn babies, prompting scientists to explore the potential health risks posed to both humans and animals.
Hagmann expressed his concern over the escalating plastic consumption and its subsequent impact on aquatic systems.
"The growth curve is steeply rising. Projections are grim if we remain passive," Hagmann cautioned.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged a silver lining - the growing awareness surrounding the issue.
"A mere 12 years ago, when we first delved into the realm of plastic fragments in water, we were often dismissed as outliers. Today, the problem is universally acknowledged."
The findings of this study serve as a stark reminder that even the most pristine-seeming environments can fall victim to the global plastic crisis. As the world grapples with escalating plastic pollution, researchers, activists, and organizations like Oceaneye continue to champion the cause of cleaner oceans and lakes.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Threads pages to keep up to date on world news.
Comments (0)