As tire particles pollute both land and water, Europe steps up with directives and innovative filtration technologies to safeguard precious water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
Microplastic Pollution from Tires
A recent study conducted by the Alfred-Wegener-Institute in Germany revealed that, on average, around four plastic particles per square meter are found on German beaches. The study, which involved 1,139 samples from 71 locations along the North Sea and Baltic Sea, found that 177 samples contained a total of 260 plastic particles. It is important to note that these numbers are likely underestimated, as only plastic particles larger than one millimeter were analyzed. Microplastics from tires are a significant contributor to this pollution, underscoring the need to reduce plastic use and develop more sustainable tires.
As part of the effort to address this issue, filtration solutions like BAIONYX filters play a vital role by removing up to 97% of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), including microplastic particles and other pollutants that would otherwise enter aquatic ecosystems.
Initiatives to Protect Groundwater in Europe
The EU has implemented several directives aimed at protecting water resources. The Water Framework Directive establishes the framework for protecting rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and groundwater to achieve good ecological status for all water bodies. Additionally, the EU’s plan for water resource protection seeks to prevent and reduce pollution while promoting the sustainable use of water.
In Denmark, municipalities are responsible for creating groundwater protection action plans based on the national groundwater mapping. These plans contain detailed assessments of protection needs and the necessary measures to ensure the security of groundwater resources.
These initiatives highlight the importance of protecting both surface water and groundwater from pollution, including microplastics, to ensure healthy ecosystems and safe drinking water for future generations.
