Washington, D.C Plastic Pollution: Improving Anacostia River Health Helps Wildlife, Environment

Plastic pollution has been a significant concern in the U.S. In Washington, D.C., the researchers explained the importance of improving Nash Run and Anacostia Rivers.

Plastic concerns and microplastics can threaten human health and wildfire. The small microplastics is considered less than five millimeters long.

The Nash Run and Anacostia Rivers can suffer from more plastic pollution without efficient conservation and protection plans. As a result, the researchers studied the microplastic pollution in the said areas in Washington, DC, in the USA.

Washington, D.C. Plastic Pollution

(Photo : by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
The banks of the Anacostia River. A recent report showed the problem of plastic pollution in Washington, D.C. In Nash Run and Anacostia River, the study emphasized the improvement of said rivers from pollution

The study findings were published in the Water, Air, Soil Pollution journal. Researchers warned about the persistent microplastics in aquatic sediments in rivers, urban streams and marine areas.

The report emphasized a lack of knowledge about the emergence of microplastics in Washington, DC's waterways. Staying the concentrations of plastic

The Anacostia River is also known as the forgotten river, suffering from environmental issues and pollution. The river has suffered from heavy erosion, trash and other contaminants.

However, the recent initiatives in the river helped slowly improve the Anacostia's state.

Meanwhile, the Nash Run is in the Northeastern DC. It is rich in wetlands, plants and grasses. The area has also experienced restoration efforts to reduce the potential impacts on the ecosystem and communities.

In addition, the researchers explained the challenge of microplastic in the rivers in Washington, DC. The small shards or fragments of plastic can harm animals and human health.

According to researcher Barbara Balestra, the study will help analyze the Nash Run. The research team collected samples for potential signs of microplastic in the river.

Balestra is the Department of Environmental Science's senior professional lecturer.

Based on the analysis, the researcher discovered the emergence of microplastic in the area, from 24 to 123 microplastics found per liter. The microplastic likely came from shampoos, bottles, bleaches, milk or grocery bags due to the presence of high-density polyethylene.

Microplastics in waterways, oceans, freshwaters and underground environments can harm aquatic animals. When people consume contaminated fish, they can be exposed to more health risks.

Also Read: Alarming Microplastic in Great Lakes Harm Wildlife, Human Health, Report Shows

Microplastic in a cave in Missouri despite being close for 30 years

In Missouri, researchers observed the concentrations of microplastics in underground environments. The study results were published in Science of the Total Environment and Water Research journals.

The South of St. Louis Missouri Cliff Cave has been regulated to visitors for about 30 years. To increase the knowledge about microplastics in cave systems, the study found high concentrations of microplastics at the entrance.

In addition, the microplastics likely entered the closed cave due to extreme flooding or storm conditions. The cave is home to bats and other species, which plastic can significantly threaten their health.