Study reveals foot traffic as surprising driver of river pollution

A pilot study has revealed that everyday pedestrian movement—such as walking, kicking, or brushing past litter—can unintentionally propel waste into rivers, adding a previously overlooked human factor to the global plastic pollution crisis.

Researchers from King’s College London tracked GPS-tagged plastic bottles during an Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race, a high-footfall event along the River Thames. The study found that 5 of the 9 bottles moved significantly under the influence of foot traffic alone—two of which ultimately entered the river.

The study published in Next Research showed that bottles moved an average of 2.4 meters, with some traveling more than 12 meters. The bottles’ movement patterns aligned with the direction of pedestrian flow, while calm weather conditions ruled out wind or rain as contributing factors. Some bottles reached the riverbank or entered the Thames, suggesting foot traffic alone can facilitate aquatic pollution. The authors call for a rethink in anti-littering strategies. Since litter can migrate from its original location, targeting cleanup efforts solely at accumulation points may miss the mark.

Source: Phys.org