NYLON POLLUTION
May 1st, 2004
KEITH NUTHALL
BRITISH researchers have shown oceans are polluted with millions of tiny textile fibre fragments, of nylon, polyester and acrylic. The University of Plymouth based their conclusions on surveys of 17 UK beaches and estuaries. Because they examined only unusually coloured fragments larger than 20 micrometres, the researchers think the findings are the tip of an iceberg. They are concerned marine creatures consume textiles, damaging their health.
BRITISH researchers have shown oceans are polluted with millions of tiny textile fibre fragments, of nylon, polyester and acrylic. The University of Plymouth based their conclusions on surveys of 17 UK beaches and estuaries. Because they examined only unusually coloured fragments larger than 20 micrometres, the researchers think the findings are the tip of an iceberg. They are concerned marine creatures consume textiles, damaging their health.
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