A Hong Kong environmental NGO Plastic Free Seas on Thursday called on authorities to investigate whether microplastics from artificial pitches around the city are entering the environment. The organization commissioned an analysis after more than two tonnes of rubber crumb has been washed into Yi Pak Wan in Discovery Bay last July. The University of Hong Kong’s Environmental Geochemistry and Oceanography Research Group came back with results showing the material was very likely the same as the rubber infill used on the North Plaza pitch in Discovery Bay. Dana Winograd, director of operations for Plastic Free Seas, said the test results had backed up their initial suspicion about the source of the rubber crumb to be from astroturfs in the territory. She said the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, who’s in charge of Hong Kong’s artificial pitches should now work with the Environmental Protection Department on how to prevent it from continuing to be a problem.”She also urged the Environmental Protection Department to better their emergency response to situations like this.

Source: The Standard September 03, 2020 12:05 UTC