2026 Microplastics Raw Data Sheet

Summary

Scientists collected water samples from three Southern California locations—Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and a Pico Rivera storm drain—to measure how much microplastic pollution is present and what types are showing up. This is raw data collection rather than a finished study with conclusions, but tracking microplastics in our water matters because these tiny plastic particles can end up in the fish we eat and the water we drink, and researchers are still working to understand what that means for our health. Keep an eye out for follow-up research that analyzes this data to reveal actual pollution trends.