Microplastics in Yliki Lake, Greece: An Explorative Study

Abstract

Microplastics can enter waters from surface run-off and atmospheric deposition. An exploratory study was undertaken to assess microplastic pollution in the natural lake of Yliki, an auxiliary drinking water reservoir supplying the network of Athens, Greece. Samples taken over the ~25 km2 area of the lake revealed the presence of fragments and fibers at three out of ten locations, possibly from agriculture in the surrounding area or fishing in the lake. The findings highlight the ubiquitous nature of plastics and the need for regulated assessment of water supplies for environmental and human health protection.

Keywords

• drinking water
• human health
• microplastics
• water resources
• Yliki Lake