In Founex, near Geneva, Switzerland, a device developed by the NGO Oceaneye is actively collecting plastic fragments from Lake Leman. This picturesque lake, nestled at the foot of the Alps, has long been regarded as a pristine body of water. However, new research reveals that its levels of plastic pollution are on par with those found in the oceans.
Oceaneye, a non-profit organization based in Geneva, has been on a mission for over a decade to scour the seas and collect plastic fragments. Recently, they have shifted their focus to their home country of Switzerland. Pascal Hagmann, the founder and director of Oceaneye, explained that after comparing the data to the ocean, they concluded that the microplastic pollution on the surface of Lake Leman is comparable in magnitude to that of the oceans.
Speaking from the stern of a sailing vessel equipped with a sample-collecting device, Hagmann emphasized the significance of their findings. He expressed surprise that Lake Leman, often depicted as a pristine Alpine lake with crystal-clear waters, is not immune to plastic pollution.
Stretching across 580 square kilometers (224 square miles) and straddling France and Switzerland, Lake Leman is the largest lake in Western Europe. It is fed partly by Alpine glaciers and eventually spills into the Rhone River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
The surrounding cantons of Switzerland treat the water and distribute it as drinking water to households. On the French side, one of the lakeside towns, Evian, happens to share its name with a popular brand of bottled water sourced from a natural spring.
Microplastics, which result from the breakdown of various consumer and industrial plastic waste over time, have been accumulating in the world’s oceans. Alarming studies have even discovered microplastics in the blood samples of unborn babies, prompting scientists to investigate the potential health risks for both humans and animals.
Hagmann expressed concern that rising plastic consumption will inevitably lead to more litter finding its way into water systems. He noted that the growth curve is rapidly increasing and pessimistic projections indicate a worsening situation if no action is taken. However, he also acknowledged that awareness of the issue is growing, highlighting the difference in perception since Oceaneye began their work 12 years ago.
In conclusion, Oceaneye’s efforts to collect plastic fragments from Lake Leman have shed light on the hidden pollution within this renowned Alpine lake. It is clear that immediate action is required to address the growing problem of plastic pollution, both in Lake Leman and in the world’s oceans.
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