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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.
Microplastics are found ubiquitously in the environment, posing a potential risk to aquatic and marine life. However, the sources and pathways of microplastics to freshwaters require further characterization. In this work, two potential pathways of microplastics to freshwaters were quantified in the Portland, Oregon, USA region: urban stormwater and atmospheric deposition. Stormwater samples were taken from residential neighborhoods in Portland, OR during four storm events. A baseline concentration of 4.3 ± 2.0 (range 1.1–9.7) particles/L was found. Microplastic removal was then tested across three soil media types in bioretention columns. Removal across all soil media, including the Portland, OR standard soil mix was > 99%, indicating standard bioretention media can effectively reduce microplastic transport to freshwaters from stormwater. Atmospheric concentrations were estimated across a rural-urban gradient from Hood River to Portland Oregon using the moss O. lyellii as a bioindicator. Approximately 280 moss samples were taken from trees across gridded sections representing various land uses. Results provide insight into hotspots and potential spatial factors associated with the emission and deposition of microplastics. Findings can help develop a conceptual model of microplastic sources and pathways to freshwaters in the region.
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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.
Spatial and temporal variations of microplastic concentrations in Portland's freshwater ecosystems
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Microplastic concentrations were monitored across Portland's urban freshwater ecosystems, revealing that land use, stormwater inputs, and seasonal variation all influenced plastic levels in rivers and streams. The study found that urban catchments with higher impervious surfaces consistently showed elevated microplastic concentrations.
Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Microplastic Concentrations in Portland's Freshwater Ecosystems
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This thesis-based study measured microplastic concentrations in urban freshwater ecosystems in Portland, Oregon, across different seasons and locations. Higher concentrations were found near densely populated areas, and spatial distribution was strongly influenced by anthropogenic land use patterns.
Assessment of microplastic transport and distribution in the urban environment of Coimbra municipality
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Researchers tracked microplastic transport and distribution across five urban watersheds in Coimbra, Portugal, sampling atmospheric deposition, runoff, and streams before and during rainfall. Wet deposition carried more MPs than dry deposition, stream concentrations nearly doubled during rain events, and more urbanized, smaller watersheds had higher MP loads.
Microplastic in urban sources and receiving water within an urban area
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This international study measured microplastic concentrations in urban stormwater sources and receiving water bodies within a city, quantifying how urban runoff pathways contribute to microplastic loads in local aquatic environments.
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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.