Microplastics in the hyporheic zone of rivers

For the first time, researchers from the working groups Hydrology and Animal Ecology, BayCEER / University of Bayreuth, examined a stream bed - the so-called hyporheic zone - specifically for microplastic. In drill cores from the Roter Main River they found only a few larger particles, but all the more of smaller pore scale particles. In their study in Scientific Reports, they discuss possible effects on riverine food webs and drinking water supply. The research is part of the SCollaborative Recsearch Center Microplastics.