The Chair member of UNESCO Chair in Human-Water Systems - Katharina Höreth has led a new publication as first author, developed in collaboration with Nina Gnann and co-authored by Nicolas Schweigert, Prof. Dr Mariele Evers (UNESCO Chair of Human-Water Systems), Prof. Dr. Thomas A. Ternes, and Dr. Leandra Hamann.
The study presents findings showing that the Rhine River transports approximately 4,000 tonnes of macrolitter annually toward the North Sea—far more than previously estimated. Based on 16 months of continuous in-river monitoring using a custom-built litter trap by the association K.R.A.K.E , and in collaboration with citizen scientists, over 20,000 floating items larger than 1 cm were collected.
The study highlights the dominant role of private consumers and the urgent need for long-term river monitoring to guide effective clean-up strategies.
More info about this publication can be followed through this DOI:
https://lnkd.in/eJwM2hPR