Plastic pollution in Norway’s rivers highlights urgent need for cleanup efforts

In recent years, the sight of litter and plastic along Norwegian rivers has become all too familiar, according to Gaute Velle, a professor at the University of Bergen. “We have grown used to it; litter flows in our rivers,” he noted. Velle and his team have undertaken a comprehensive study to quantify plastic pollution in Norway’s rivers.

They identified the four most plastic-contaminated rivers in Norway:
– Lierelva (Buskerud) – an average of nearly 1 meter of plastic per river meter
– Sandnesbekken (Kirkenes) – 26 cm of plastic per river meter
– Alnaelva (Oslo) – 14 cm of plastic per river meter
– Arnaelva (Bergen) – 14 cm of plastic per river meter

The research involved mapping plastic via extensive surveying, counting individual plastic pieces, and estimating their lengths. The majority of the debris consisted of thin plastic films, such as agricultural films and packaging.

While some river segments exhibited minimal plastic, others revealed alarming concentrations. Velle emphasizes the urgent need for collection and cleanup efforts, noting that existing initiatives are already underway in some areas.

Velle’s team has explored and recorded plastic quantities in 84 rivers, covering over 1,000 kilometers of river terrain. The report reveals a stark variability in pollution levels, from negligible amounts to significant heaps of plastic. Observations included shocking finds such as dolls and plastic soles among the debris.

Despite the concerning amounts of plastic, Velle noted a positive trend: a 35% reduction in plastic pollution over the past four years, attributed to heightened awareness and shifts in agricultural practices. Still, he urges that industries and consumers must take responsibility to prevent further contamination of natural habitats.