River Thames, London, England from above October 2, 2005 Copyright © 2005 Mai-Linh Doan {{cc-by-sa-2.0-fr}} {{GFDL}}

A recent research study from the Natural History Museum and the Royal Holloway University into microplastic pollution has found that 28 percent of fish living in the Thames and Clyde estuaries have ingested microplastics.

The study included the examination of 876 fish and shrimp from both estuaries.

One of the researchers, Alexandra McGoran, told London Multi-Media News the results were a surprise as the team weren’t even looking for microplastics.

Although alarming, the results are now  likely to lead to action due to an increased awareness about plastic pollution among the public.

Understanding how we pollute, how microplastics end up in the ocean and how it’s examined can, however, be quite difficult.

Hear Alexandra McGoran explain more about the impact that microplastics have on wildlife and it begins at a place you wouldn’t expect; in a laundry basket.