A River of Plastics
POP is currently analyzing monthly grab samples of stream water by our three trash traps in Marsh Creek in Raleigh.
Plastics make up an overwhelming majority of all marine debris. This debris originates from mismanaged waste, fishing gear, and manufactured products that include clothing and cosmetics. About 13 million metric tons of plastics end up in our oceans every year.
Rivers supply most of the plastics in coastal environments, which can have adverse impacts. Birds and marine mammals can consume or become entangled in debris. Larger plastics can obstruct an animal’s digestive tract, eventually even leading to death. Chemicals on surface plastic also can be toxic and accumulate up the food chain.