Urban water systems as entry points for river plastic pollution

Abstract

Accumulation of plastic in aquatic environments negatively impacts ecosystems and human livelihood. Urban areas are assumed to the main source of plastic pollution in these environments, because of high anthropogenic activity. Yet, the drivers of plastic emissions, abundance and retention within these systems and subsequent transport to river systems is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that urban water systems function as major contributors to river plastic pollution, and explore the potential driving factors contributing to the transport dynamics. Monthly visual counting of floating litter at six outlets of the Amsterdam water system results in an estimated 2.7 million items to enter the closely connected IJ river annually, ranking it among the most polluting systems measured in the Netherlands and Europe. Subsequent analyses of environmental drivers (including rainfall, sunlight, wind speed and tidal regimes) and litter flux showed no strong correlations (r = -0.19 - 0.16), implying additional investigation of potential drivers is required. High frequency observations at various locations within the urban water system and advanced monitoring using novel technologies could be explored to harmonize and automate monitoring. Once litter type and abundance are well-defined with a clear origin, communication of the results with local communities and stakeholders could help co-develop solutions and stimulate behavioural change geared to reduce plastic pollution in urban environments.