UEL Launches Thames Microplastics Study
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- University of East London researchers launched a new study into microplastic pollution in the River Thames, led by Dr Ria Devereux from UEL's sustainability research institute, with the aim of influencing environmental policy and water quality.
- The project will collect three litres of surface water from seven publicly accessible riverside locations — Teddington, Westminster, St Katharine Docks, Limehouse, North Woolwich, Tilbury and Southend — to assess how pollution levels are changing over time.
- Samples will be filtered in a laboratory, examined under a microscope for particle size, colour and shape, and then analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm whether particles are plastic and identify their material type.
- The Thames has previously recorded some of the highest microplastic levels of any river in the world, according to the source, underscoring the stakes for the new sampling campaign.
- Dr Ria Devereux said the project is intended to provide "robust scientific evidence that can support better environmental decision-making and help policymakers understand where interventions may be needed most."
- The study will also examine how storm activity and changing environmental conditions may influence microplastic levels across the river system, linking pollution data to climate pressures.
- Alongside the scientific analysis, the project will produce policy briefings and host a stakeholder workshop at UEL's Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, bringing together regulators, environmental organisations and policymakers.
Why it matters: The Thames has previously recorded some of the highest microplastic levels of any river in the world, giving this UEL-led dataset unusual weight for UK water-quality policy. By combining seven-site sampling, FTIR material identification and a dedicated stakeholder workshop at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, the project is designed to convert contamination data directly into briefings for regulators and policymakers.
