What Can Be Done To Stop Plastic From Entering Rivers and Oceans?


Healing is preferable to prevention. This well-known Dutch proverb also refers to plastic litter. Plastic that pollutes rivers and seas can be removed (learn more about how in this article), but it is even better to prevent trash from reaching our rivers and oceans in the first place. This is one method of preventing plastic pollution, in addition to refraining from using plastic and not littering.


Four ways to stop plastic waste


Stormwater and wastewater filtration

The first technique to prevent plastic from reaching rivers and oceans is by employing stormwater and wastewater filters. Such filters are fitted to the drainage system that deals with garbage or stormwater.


The StormX Netting Trash Trap is one illustration. It resembles a big sock that is placed around a drainage pipe's outflow. Plastic stays behind in the sock, while water passes through it. This forbids any rubbish greater than 5 mm (0.2 inches) to enter rivers.


Elimination of littering

Avoiding littering is the second approach to stop plastic from entering rivers and seas. Even when waste is left on the ground, it is possible that rain can wash it into the drainage system.


"Stow it, Don't Throw it" is an illustration of a project to stop littering. Tennis ball containers are transformed into fishing line storage for anglers as part of this project. Carrying these lines to larger recycling bins is made simpler by these bins. This is crucial because animals frequently eat fishing lines or become entangled in them, which can be fatal.







Water treatment to eliminate microplastics


Taking out microplastics from wastewater is the third approach to stop plastic from entering rivers and seas. During the treatment of wastewater, this is possible.


The Go Jelly Project is an illustration of a project that looked into this possibility. To collect microplastics, they make advantage of a chemical that jellyfish release under duress.


Preventing the sewage from containing microplastic


Keeping microplastics out of wastewater is the fourth approach to stop plastic from entering rivers and seas. Laundry balls are useful because microfibers in garments are a significant source of microplastics. The microplastics released during washing and laundering are captured by these balls.


The Cora Ball is one illustration. Along with the clothing, this ball is placed in the washing machine. After that, microfibers can be taken out and thrown in the trash.


Conclusion


So, employing storm and wastewater filters, avoiding littering, getting rid of microplastics in wastewater, and preventing microplastics from getting into wastewater in the first place can all help to keep plastics from entering rivers and seas.