High levels of microplastic pollution have been found in wetlands on the edge of an industrial area in Adelaide, with the source being plastic production factories and catchment runoff, it was revealed today.
The results are the largest found so far in the ongoing surveys by AUSMAP (a program of Total Environment Centre), the nation’s biggest data source on microplastic pollution.
‘‘The pollution has been going on for years, with little action from environment protection authorities and factory owners. Over 796,000 pieces per square metre – long lasting and accumulating every year. It’s a continual danger to fish and birdlife in the Barker Wetlands (and adjoining waterways) and contributes to the microplastic load that is being absorbed by the human population,’’ said AUSMAP Program Director, Dr Michelle Blewitt.
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‘‘Recently the plastic factory at Kilburn, a major source of the pollution was granted $20m to upgrade its recycling operations, targeting soft plastics,’’ said Total Environment Centre Director, Jeff Angel. This welcome development must be accompanied by guarantees that the pollution will cease via conditions imposed in the grant agreement, EPA licence and development consent.
‘‘The claim by the EPA that the pollution sent into the wetlands is being effectively treated is laughable. There are no interception traps at facilities or monitoring. Action at source to filter out microplastics from the industrial area and urban runoff in the catchment needs to be taken, rather than filling up these wetlands with plastic pollution. The area also has conservation values that are used by native acquatic species and birdlife and by people for swimming and fishing.’’
Blewitt also said that the plastic is coming from pellet runoff from the factory and wind blown escapes and urban runoff. To see so much microplastic in the vegetation and sediment in this vital wetland sanctuary is appalling, she said.
‘‘It’s gone on for far too long. One-hundred and thirty bird species, including migratory ones from the Northern Hemisphere, have been seen at the wetlands.’’