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Microplastic Pollution in Stormwater: Preliminary Findings from the Oregon Coast
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Researchers collected stormwater samples and analyzed them for microplastic content, providing preliminary findings on particle abundance, types, and size distributions in urban stormwater runoff. The results confirm stormwater as a significant pathway for microplastics from land surfaces into receiving water bodies.
Microplastics have become ubiquitous in marine environments and pose a risk to ecosystem, organismal, and human health. Stormwater runoff has been suggested to be a major contributor to marine microplastic pollution. This project aims to quantify the average concentration of microplastics in stormwater in a community on the Oregon Coast. To accomplish this, stormwater samples were collected from five sites in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and one sample was analyzed using a dissection microscope. Using this technique, the number, size, and composition of the microplastic particles were determined. The calculated concentration of microplastics in the stormwater sample was 12.21 MPs/L, and the dominant microplastic type was tire wear. Establishing a baseline of microplastic pollution originating from stormwater systems along coastal regions is the first step in developing effective mitigation strategies. The work produced in this study will contribute to the baseline data for an ongoing research project aimed at testing the efficacy of various microplastic mitigation strategies, including stormwater control measures.
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Microplastic Pathways in the Portland, OR Region: Results From Stormwater and Atmospheric Sampling
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This study quantified microplastics in urban stormwater runoff and atmospheric deposition in the Portland, Oregon region, finding both pathways deliver significant quantities of plastic particles to freshwater systems. Stormwater was found to carry far more microplastics than atmospheric deposition, highlighting urban runoff as a critical pathway requiring management.
Stormwater runoff microplastics: Polymer types, particle size, and factors controlling loading rates
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Researchers characterized microplastics in stormwater runoff samples collected at urban outfall locations. The study identified 17 different polymer types across various storm events, with concentrations around 0.99 particles per liter for the 500-1000 micrometer size range, and found that rainfall intensity and land use were key factors controlling microplastic loading rates.
A plastic storm: The role of stormwater in the microplastic load of an urban river system
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A study of an urban river system found that stormwater runoff is a major source of microplastic pollution, transporting particles from roads, buildings, and other urban surfaces directly into waterways during rain events. Stormwater contributed a significant fraction of the total microplastic load reaching the ocean, comparable to inputs from wastewater treatment plants. Better management of urban stormwater could meaningfully reduce microplastic pollution in rivers and coastal waters.
Occurrence and Characteristics of Microplastics Pollution in Different Types of Urban Runoff
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Researchers quantified and characterized microplastics in urban surface runoff from different land use types. They found microplastics in all runoff samples, with concentrations and dominant particle types varying by land use, suggesting that road surfaces and commercial areas are significant sources. The study contributes data for urban stormwater management strategies aimed at reducing microplastic loading in receiving waterways.
Estimated discharge of microplastics via urban stormwater during individual rain events
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Researchers collected stormwater samples from 15 locations during rain events to assess microplastic discharge through urban runoff. The study found highly variable microplastic concentrations influenced by catchment characteristics, and provided estimates of the quantity of microplastics released to receiving waters during rain events, highlighting urban stormwater as an important pathway for microplastic pollution.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.