We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Relative polymer abundance of microplastic particles in two central new york lakes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized the polymer types of over 800 microplastic particles from two central New York lakes using chemical identification methods, finding that the dominant polymer types reflected nearby urban and agricultural sources. Identifying specific polymer types can help trace microplastics back to their source industries and improve targeted pollution control measures.
Plastics have an increasing role in our everyday lives and, unfortunately, an increasing presence in freshwater ecosystems. The extent of freshwater pollution and harm caused by microplastics is still unknown. Chemical determination of polymer types found in freshwater allows for the investigation of potential sources and pathways, aiding in the development of preventative measures and regulatory action. This work will consider how relative polymer abundances in freshwater monitoring can inform regional sources and, subsequently, infrastructural improvements for microplastic capture or source abatement. In this study, we characterize the polymer type of over 800 particles collected from surface water samples taken in 2019 and 2020 from two freshwater lakes in Central New York (US), Onondaga and Skaneateles Lakes, in addition to the major tributaries of Onondaga Lake. Skaneateles Lake is relatively pristine and provides a source of unfiltered drinking water for the city of Syracuse. In contrast, Onondaga Lake is historically polluted and has a higher potential for microplastic contamination from nearby developed areas, wastewater effluent discharge, and combined sewer overflows. Various sampling methods, including both bulk and volume-reduced samples, were used for sample collection. Chemical analysis was performed using ATR-FTIR in combination with the software OpenSpecy. Polyethylene was the most abundant polymer type found in both lakes. The relative abundance of polymers differed in samples taken from one of Onondaga Lake's major tributaries, Onondaga Creek, potentially owing to differences in the sampling method used. The Inner Harbor and an upstream site were more abundant in polypropylene and synthetic resins, respectively. These findings are put into further context with respect to potential sources, global plastic production, and the impact of polymer density on microplastic capture. Also see: https://micro2022.sciencesconf.org/426971/document
More Papers Like This
Source-specific categorization of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
A comparative review of microplastics in lake systems from different countries and regions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination data from lake systems across multiple countries, finding that abundance, size, and polymer type varied widely by region and identifying land use, population density, and hydrological connectivity as key drivers of lake microplastic levels.
Microplastic sources and distribution dynamics across contrasting anthropogenic settings: implications for lake management
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic particles have emerged as a pervasive pollutant in lake ecosystems, with sources and distribution patterns varying significantly across different anthropogenic settings, affecting ecological processes and human health. Understanding how land use and human activity influence microplastic loading and spatial distribution in lakes is essential for developing targeted management strategies.
Geographical heterogeneity and dominant polymer types in microplastic contamination of lentic ecosystems: implications for methodological standardization and future research
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found significant geographical heterogeneity in the types of microplastics contaminating lentic ecosystems worldwide, with polyethylene dominating overall, followed by polypropylene and polystyrene, highlighting regional differences in plastic sources and environmental persistence.
Research status and prospects of microplastic pollution in lakes
AI summary Read the abstract
This review systematically covers microplastic pollution research in lakes, including sampling and identification methods, distribution patterns, ecological effects, and knowledge gaps, identifying lakes as important but understudied sinks for microplastic contamination.
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.