Scientists caution against a reliance on mechanical devices to clear water bodies of plastic

Source: https://www.newswise.com/articles/scientists-warn-against-relying-on-machines-to-clear-plastic-from-water-bodies

Author: University of Plymouth

Newswise — An international group of scientists has cautioned against reliance on mechanical cleanup devices as a means of addressing the plastic pollution crisis. The researchers – comprising a number of the world’s foremost experts in plastic pollution – say they appreciate the clear and pressing need to tackle the millions of tonnes of waste that have already accumulated in the ocean and waterways. However, they caution that plastic removal technologies used so far have shown varied efficiency in the amount of waste material they are able to collect, many have not been tested at all.