Rural waste collection gaps linked to high microplastic levels in Mekong River
Scientists found that limited waste collection services in rural Cambodian communities are connected to elevated microplastic concentrations in the Mekong River.
Fishermen report plastic in catches
Local fishermen in Cambodia became concerned after hauling large amounts of plastic with their fishing nets. They contacted researchers to investigate the extent of the pollution problem along the river.
Study samples collected across seasons
Researchers from DRI and the University of Nevada Reno sampled plastics during both wet and dry seasons in 2022. The team worked with Wonders of the Mekong to gather data for their new study.
Results published in scientific journal
The findings were released in npj Emerging Contaminants and highlight the role of waste management services. These results can help inform improvements for livelihoods across China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.