The Importance of Plastic Debris as a Source of Microplastics in Richland Creek, North Carolina

Summary

Researchers investigated how existing plastic debris in Richland Creek, North Carolina fragments and contributes to the standing microplastic load in freshwater, finding that in-stream debris is a major local source of secondary microplastics. In-situ fragmentation of larger plastic litter means that even waterways distant from industrial sources can generate their own microplastic contamination, extending the geographic reach of plastic pollution in drinking water sources.