Context: A new study conducted by The Ocean Cleanup, has found nearly 80 percent of the plastic pollution in the oceans come from 1,000 rivers around the world.
Key highlights

While it was first thought that a handful of large continental rivers were the main culprits, contributing the most in terms of plastic emissions, a new model has shown a mix of small- and medium-sized rivers play the most significant role in polluting the oceans.

• 1,000 rivers account for nearly 80 percent of global annual emissions, ranging between 0.8 million and 2.7 million metric tons per year, with small urban rivers among the most polluting.
• While 1,000 rivers is a large number, they only make up one percent of the world's rivers. 
• 454 'very small' rivers contribute 25 percent of emissions, while 360 small rivers make up 24 percent of emissions. 
• 162 medium rivers are responsible for 22 percent of emissions, while 18 large and six 'very large' rivers contribute to two percent and one percent of plastic emissions respectively.

Key Facts about Marin plastics

• Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year for use in a wide variety of applications.
• At least 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, and make up 80% of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments.
• Marine species ingest or are entangled by plastic debris, which causes severe injuries and deaths.
• Plastic pollution threatens food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change.
• Recycling and reuse of plastic products, and support for research and innovation to develop new products to replace single-use plastics are also necessary to prevent and reduce plastic pollution.

By: Shubham Tiwari