According to research, the National Institute of Public Health and Environment (RIVM) also detects some smaller sources of microplastics, such as paint, clothing, pesticides in agriculture and granules on artificial grass sports fields.
The institute recommends using less plastic. Regulations against the release of microplastics in the industry can also help, as can improving tires so they wear less.
Another option is to purify the water that flows from the road surface into the ditch. The microplastics can then be collected before they end up in the environment. “This purification is already taking place around cities, but not around roads outside of them,” the RIVM stated.
