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<p>Defra is working with the Environment Agency, Highways England, academics and the
UK water industry to understand the scale of the microplastic pollution problem and
to establish detection methods to monitor, characterise and quantify the types of
microplastics entering our rivers. There has been substantive research reporting the
presence and impacts of microplastics in the marine environment. However, little is
known about their sources, release and impact on freshwaters and their ultimate transport
to the marine environment. Defra has commissioned evidence reviews to further understand
these issues and will use the outcomes from these and other research to develop policy
options.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has set a target to eliminate all avoidable
plastic waste within the lifetime of the 25 year Environment Plan (by 2042) and set
aside £20 million for research and development managed through the Plastics Innovation
Fund in March 2018. A further £10 million was committed in the 2018 Autumn Budget
for continued/additional plastics research and development along with £10 million
to pioneer innovative approaches to boosting recycling and reducing litter.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p>The Department does not plan to introduce an independent regulatory
body to enforce and monitor the reduction of microplastics in wastewaters and receiving
rivers.</p>
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