Masses of toxic litter pours from the Rhine into the North Sea each year, research finds.
8 January 2026
A University of Bonn study shows the river carries up to 4 700 tonnes of ‘macrolitter’ annually.
“Even natural, less persistent materials, such as worked wood, paper, cardboard and food waste may contain toxic or harmful additives,” said Dr Leandra Hamann, zoologist and lead author of the study.
“Even natural, less persistent materials, such as worked wood, paper, cardboard and food waste may contain toxic or harmful additives,” said Dr Leandra Hamann, zoologist and lead author of the study.