Milano-Area Environmental Study Finds Microplastics in Lake Fish
A University of Milan study, published in Environmental Pollution and highlighted by WWF Bergamo Brescia, found microplastics in native Lake Garda fish, analyzing more than 150 specimens of perch, lavarello, and alborelle from different lake areas. Led by Dr. Elena Fabbri, the research found that nearly 80% of samples contained plastic particles under 5 mm, averaging 5–10 fragments per fish.
The authors identify primary human sources as washing of synthetic textiles, degradation of discarded plastic waste (bottles, packaging, fishing gear), and tire wear, with significant contributions from inefficient wastewater treatment plants and illicit or non-compliant sewer discharges. The study notes that microfibres and microplastics enter water bodies via rivers and discharges, and calls for upgrading treatment plants with advanced filtration, regulating illicit discharges, and targeted campaigns to reduce plastic input.
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