A new study into microplastic pollution in the River Thames has been launched by researchers at the University of East London (UEL) in an attempt to influence environmental policy and water quality.

The project, led by Dr Ria Devereux from the university's sustainability research institute, will gather data from locations stretching from Teddington in south-west London to Southend-on-Sea in Essex.

The samples will be assessed to see how pollution levels are changing and what impact climate pressures may be having on the river system.