Investigation Into Microplastic Pollution From Roads
Highways England has launched an investigation into microplastic pollution from motorways, to explore whether or not microplastics are being washed off roads into the environment. Specifically, the water that runs off the road surface and how environmentally friendly the level of microplastics is. The organisation is counting on the research to understand the problem better and further their studies. This is to figure out ways to fix the issue.
Microplastics appear after the degradation of tyres, brakes and road markings during everyday vehicle use. These elements increasingly wear away the more you drive. Minute fragments left behind on the road surface are washed into the ground surrounding the roadside.
The New Study Put Into Place by Introductory Analysis
The study is to light the evidence already in existence and observe what can be done in the future. Though, Highways England stated that it has “clear assessment and design standards. These are to manage and develop drainage systems within its grid. The organisation declared its devotion towards ‘minimising the environmental impact of its network and in particular the vehicles using it”.
From the National Oceanography Centre, Alice Horton stated:
“This research is a key step in understanding the contribution of the strategic road network to microplastic pollution within the terrestrial and aquatic environment”. She continued, “this study has identified the critical knowledge gaps that should be addressed going forward to enable us to understand the extent and implications of microplastic runoff from roads, and measures that should be put in place to limit this environmental contamination.”
Simultaneously, Micheal Whitehead, principal advisor for water at Highways England, said the research would assist the organisations’ future decision making’, including potential measures to limit microplastic pollution. This was our mini-investigation into microplastic. For the whole study, check out the Gov website here.
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Tags : Environment, Environmental News, highways england, Investigation, Microplastic, Plastic, Plastic pollution, Pollution, pollution investigation, Research