Files
Document type
ArticleVersion
Accepted versionPublication date
Publication license
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/208146
The dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs as widespread pollutants of aquatic environments
Journal Title
Director/Tutor
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Related resource
Abstract
Artificial turf (AT) is a surfacing material that simulates natural grass by using synthetic, mainly plastic, fibers in different shapes, sizes and properties. AT has spread beyond sports facilities and today shapes many urban landscapes, from private lawns to rooftops and public venues. Despite concerns regarding the impacts of AT, little is known about the release of AT fibers into natural environment. Here, for the first time, we specifically investigate the presence of AT fibers in river and ocean waters as major conduits and final destination of plastic debris transported by water runoff. Our sampling survey showed that, AT fibers – composed mainly of polyethylene and polypropylene – can constitute over 15% of the mesoplastics and macroplastics content, suggesting that AT fibers may contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Up to 20,000 fibers a day flowed down through the river, and up to 213,200 fibers per km2 were found floating on the sea surface of nearshore areas. AT, apart from impacting on urban biodiversity, urban runoff, heat island formation, and hazardous chemical leaching, is a major source of plastic pollution to natural aquatic environments.
Subject
Subject (English)
Citation
Citation
DE HAAN, William P., et al. The dark side of artificial greening: Plastic turfs as widespread pollutants of aquatic environments. Environmental Pollution. 2023. Vol. 334. ISSN 0269-7491. [consulted: 10 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/208146