Washing-machine waste water is polluting waterways warn scientists

WASHING machine wastewater is polluting Britain’s waterways with microplastic, according to a new report.

The study shows the deadly tiny plastic pieces increase threefold in rivers after going through wastewater plants – and in one case it was 69 times higher downstream than upstream.

These plants deal with household water waste, including sewage, but it is believed much of the plastic comes from man-made textiles in washing-machine waste water.

The researchers also found plastic pollution upstream of the plants was caused by airborne pollution and agricultural run-off.

Microplastics are shards with a diameter less than 5mm and findings show they are leaving our waterways at risk of harmful microplastic pollution.

Scientists at the University of Leeds found treatment plants across northern England were linked to an increase in dangerous pieces in six sample rivers – on average up to three times higher but in one instance by a factor of 69.

Researchers say plants struggle to deal with the tiny pieces slipping through their systems.

Professor Paul Kay, leading the Leeds University study, said: “Not that long ago microbeads in toiletries and cosmetics were the microplastics getting all the public attention. We need to think seriously about the role of our synthetic fabrics in long-term environmental harm.”