David Morritt, Paris V. Stefanoudis, Dave Pearce, Oliver A. Crimmen, 
Paul F. Clark, Plastic in the Thames: A river runs through it, Marine 
Pollution Bulletin, Volume 78, Issues 1–2, 15 January 2014, Pages 
196-200, ISSN 0025-326X, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.10.035.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X13006565)
Abstract: Although contamination of the marine ecosystems by plastics is 
becoming recognised as a serious pollution problem, there are few 
studies that demonstrate the contribution made by freshwater catchments. 
Over a three month period from September to December 2012, at seven 
localities in the upper Thames estuary, 8490 submerged plastic items 
were intercepted in eel fyke nets anchored to the river bed. Whilst 
there were significant differences in the numbers of items at these 
locations, the majority were some type of plastic. Additionally in 
excess of 20% of the litter items were components of sanitary products. 
The most contaminated sites were in the vicinity of sewage treatment 
works. While floating litter is visible, this study also demonstrates 
that a large unseen volume of submerged plastic is flowing into the 
marine environment. It is therefore important that this sub-surface 
component is considered when assessing plastic pollution input into the sea.
Keywords: Estuary; Fyke-nets; Plastics; River Thames; Sanitary products; 
United Kingdom