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Source-specific categorization of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes
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A source-specific characterization study of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes found the highest abundances near urban centers, with distinct polymer and color signatures linking particles to packaging, fibers, and industrial sources.
Actions aimed at reducing microplastic pollution need source-specific information to tailor local and global efforts. We applied a source-specific categorization scheme to quantify and characterize microplastics using robust QA/QC methods in 98 nearshore surface waters collected using manta trawls from three Laurentian Great Lakes. The greatest abundances (max. 2.0 x 107 particles/km2) were found adjacent to the Greater Toronto Area, where fragments consistent with commercial and industrial activities contributed up to 58 % ± 21 % of particles on average (0.335 – 4.75 mm size range; near wastewater discharges in Humber Bay, Lake Ontario). Irregularly-shaped polyethylene microbeads were consistently more abundant than spherical microbeads as is typical in personal care products and contributed significantly (up to 44 % ± 21 % on average; Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario) in areas dominated by wastewater inputs. Using source-specific microplastic morphology categories may facilitate 1) the development of specific mitigation initiatives for identified and significant sources, and 2) assessing the effectiveness of implemented reduction measures at local levels in marine coastal environments, estuaries, and freshwaters globally.
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Researchers documented that microplastics smaller than five millimeters are present throughout the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River system, from tributary streams to the Atlantic Ocean. This finding suggests that the Great Lakes region is both a major accumulation zone and a transport pathway for microplastic pollution into the broader marine environment.
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in Lake Ontario sediments from nearshore areas, tributaries, and beaches to map pollution patterns. They found the highest concentrations near urban and industrial zones, particularly in Toronto Harbour, where levels exceeded 500 particles per kilogram of sediment. The study identifies wastewater outflows and urban runoff as key sources of microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes region.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.