From Beach to Basin: Assessing the Spatio-temporal Distribution of Microplastics in Lake Champlain

Microplastics are of increasing concern in our natural environment, with plastic production increasing at an annual rate of 8.4% (1950-2015). Once plastic is discarded, it fragments and travels via pathways as particulate macro and microplastic (<5mm). Pre-production pellets are a type of microplastic used in mass-production that are transported via roadways, railways, manufacturing outflows, and sewers, risking pollution within waterways and along shoreline beaches. The focus of my research is to investigate the potential pollution pathways and the spatio-temporal distribution of pre-production pellets in Lake Champlain. Beginning in summer 2024, we commenced wrack line surveys along six New York beaches, including Point Au Roche State Park, Plattsburgh City Beach, Ausable Point, Port Douglas, Port Kent, and the Boquet. Additionally, we sampled five local tributaries including the Little Chazy, Great Chazy, Saranac, Ausable, and Boquet using neuston net tows, followed by sample wet peroxide oxidation. Finally, we continue to explore historical whole lake samples, collected for the Long-term Monitoring Program (LTM), archived at the Lake Champlain Research Institute (1992-2024). Preliminary findings show few pre-production microplastics on the wrack line of these beaches. Some evidence of pre-production pellet accumulation was observed at Plattsburgh City Beach and Ausable Point, with higher abundances closer to dunes. Early tributary sampling shows minimal evidence of them being a major pathway of industrial pellet pollution in Lake Champlain. Preliminary data from Lake Champlain samples suggests that pre-production plastics are found throughout the lake system. Our study will focus on identifying the timing and distribution of these plastics in the Lake Champlain Basin and their possible sources. By identifying potential microplastic pathways and distribution throughout the lake, we can better inform manufacturers and future infrastructure projects to reduce the threat of pre-production plastic in Lake Champlain.