A study published in Scientific Reports in April 2025 has revealed alarming levels of microplastic pollution in Burullus Lake, the second-largest lake in Egypt, in Kafr el-Sheikh Governorate, and one of its most ecologically and economically vital bodies of water. The research, led by Egyptian scientists at the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) of Cairo, indicates that microplastic particles, which are minute fragments often undetectable without specialized equipment, are pervasive throughout the lake, raising significant concerns for both public health and the surrounding ecosystem. Burullus Lake, a coastal wetland and protected reserve situated along the central Mediterranean shore of Egypt’s Nile Delta, holds international recognition as a Ramsar wetland of global significance. The lake contributes nearly 60 percent of Egypt’s fish production, sustaining commercially valuable species such as sea bream, seabass, and mullet. In addition to its economic role, Burullus Lake supports more than 135 plant species and functions as a vital stopover for migratory birds traversing the region. Water samples taken near wastewater discharge channels revealed especially high concentrations of microplastics, averaging 835 particles per cubic meter—five times greater than levels recorded in the open waters of…
