Major study finds microplastics in soil across Switzerland and scientists warn urgent research is needed into impacts on food safety as other countries may be worse affectedThe hills are alive with the signs of plastic: even Swiss mountains are pollutedMicroplastic pollution contaminates soil across Switzerland, even in remote mountains, new research reveals. In the first major study of microplastics in soil, the researchers analysed soil samples from 29 river flood plains in nature reserves across Switzerland. We thought we might find one or two plastic particles, but we found a lot.”Between 70-80% of the particles found were smaller than 0.5mm and the researchers said they are most likely to be blown across the country. Photograph: Institute of Geography,/University of BernMicroplastic contamination in agricultural soils could be even worse, said Bigalke. One of the very few studies into microplastics in food examined backyard chickens in Mexico.

Source: The Guardian April 27, 2018 12:11 UTC