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Détection et caractérisation des macro-, micro- et nanoplastiques dans l'estuaire et golfe du fleuve Saint-Laurent, Canada
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This study provides a baseline characterization of macro-, micro-, and nanoplastic concentrations in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, using FTIR spectroscopy and mass quantification to assess particle fluxes and toxicological implications. The research fills a documentation gap for this major river system and establishes reference data for tracking plastic transport from freshwater to marine environments.
The St Lawrence River Canada), (despite its potential role in the accumulation and transfer of plastic debris from land to ocean remains poorly documented in this regard. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a baseline assessment of macro micro and nanoplastics MNP) (concentrations in the Estuary and Gulf of St Lawrence EGSL). While macroplastics are generally characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, mass quantification is essential to accurately assess MNP fluxes and their toxicological impacts. In this context, pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry Py GC MS/ MS) has proven to be an optimal method. This work helps to overcome the specific analytical challenges associated with the study of MNP in complex environmental matrices, thus providing a framework for improving the reliability and sensitivity of environmental analyses.In environmental terms, this study provides for the first time a detailed overview of the mass concentration, composition and distribution of MNP in surface water and blue/common mussels (Mytilus spp.) from the EGSL. The results show macroplastics concentrations of 0,17 ± 0,11 items/m², MNP in water of 3,800 ± 2,700 ng/L and in blue mussels of 93 ± 53 ng/mg dry weight.From the societal point of view, this study provides unprecedented data on a key Canadian ecosystem, helping to raise public awareness and guide environmental management policies. By reporting on macro and MNP contamination, it provides valuable data for local and global pollution reduction strategies, and for sustainable management of the St Lawrence's natural resources.
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Detection and characterization of macro-, micro- and nanoplastics in the estuary and gulf of the St. Lawrence River, Canada
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Researchers conducted a baseline assessment of macro-, micro-, and nanoplastic (MNP) concentrations in the estuary and Gulf of the St. Lawrence River, Canada, an understudied waterway that may play a significant role in transporting plastic debris from land to ocean. The study characterized macroplastics via FTIR spectroscopy and emphasized mass quantification as essential for accurately assessing MNP fluxes and toxicological risks.
From freshwaters to bivalves: Microplastic distribution along the Saint-Lawrence river-to-sea continuum
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Researchers traced microplastic distribution along the Saint-Lawrence River-to-sea continuum, finding both large and small microplastics in surface water and marine bivalves, with concentrations and polymer types varying between freshwater and estuarine environments.
Spatial distribution and risk assessment of microplastics in surface waters of the St. Lawrence Estuary
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This study measured microplastic pollution in the St. Lawrence Estuary in eastern Canada, finding an average of 120 particles per cubic meter of surface water. Concentrations were highest near wastewater treatment plant outflows and agricultural areas. The research highlights that estuaries serve as major conduits for microplastic pollution moving from rivers to the ocean, affecting ecosystems and potentially the seafood that communities depend on.
The largest estuary on the planet is not spared from plastic pollution: Case of the St. Lawrence River Estuary
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Researchers conducted the first macroplastic survey along the St. Lawrence Estuary shorelines, finding ubiquitous contamination dominated by single-use polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene items at an average density of 0.17 items/m², with abundance declining with distance from the Montreal metropolitan area.
Microplastic Occurence in North Sea Surface Waters - Analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
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Microplastic occurrence in North Sea surface waters was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, documenting the types and concentrations of synthetic polymer particles across sampling stations. The study contributes to understanding the distribution of microplastics in a heavily trafficked semi-enclosed sea, and highlights the role of microplastics as vectors for persistent organic pollutants.
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