Microplastic Pollution in a Canal: Seasonal and Spatial Impact

Microplastic pollution has become a worldwide concern due to the pervasive entry of these particles into our environment. While riverine microplastics have recently been studied, tributaries of rivers such as canals and creeks have not yet gained much attention. These smaller water bodies, where effluents from various sources are directly discharged, can result in notably high microplastic concentrations within freshwater ecosystems. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the abundance, properties, and risk assessment of microplastics entering a canal system from four different sources: agriculture, residential areas, academic buildings, and parking lots. Both the water and sediment samples of the canal were collected and studied in a bi-weekly manner for five months (June 23 to October 23) to understand the impact of each source as well as to assess the state of the microplastic pollution in the canal systems over time. Considering that the canal eventually feeds into a large river in upstate New York, USA, the findings of this study offer insights into the extent of microplastic influx into the riverine systems. Findings from this study should provide important insight to future researchers working with microplastic contamination and may help to develop a better understanding of their source and availability in the environment.