We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Fate of microplastics in background headwater lake catchments using a particle balance approach
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tracked the input, output, and retention of microplastics across three background headwater lake catchments in Ontario, Canada over a full year. Atmospheric deposition was a major microplastic input even in these remote locations with no nearby urban sources. The findings show that even pristine-seeming catchments accumulate microplastics from long-range atmospheric transport.
Abstract Microplastics are pervasive contaminants of concern, yet their fate in headwater lakes, especially in background regions, remains relatively unknown. Further, few field studies have quantified the inputs, outputs, and pathways of microplastics at the catchment level. In this study, the flux of microplastics (MP) were quantified over a 12-month period for three background headwater lake catchments in Muskoka-Haliburton, Ontario, Canada. A microplastic particle balance approach was used, incorporating inputs from atmospheric deposition and stream inflows against outflows and sedimentation to lakes. Atmospheric deposition had the highest daily microplastic flux rate (3.84–8.04 MP/m 2 /day), suggesting that it is the dominant source of microplastics to lakes in background regions. Of the microplastics deposited on the catchment, 41–73% were retained in the terrestrial area. Furthermore, a large fraction of the microplastics entering the lake were retained (30–45%), suggesting that lakes are a reservoir for microplastics. The microplastic residence time for the study lakes ranged from 3.15 to 7.70 years. Fibres (> 60%) were the most common particle type, further, polyethylene terephthalate was the dominant polymer identified followed by polypropylene and polyamide.
More Papers Like This
The Fate of Microplastics in Rural Headwater Lake Catchments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic fluxes over 12 months in three rural headwater lake catchments in Ontario, Canada, using a novel particle balance approach. They found that atmospheric deposition was the dominant source of microplastics entering these remote lakes, and they provided the first observation-based estimates of microplastic residence time in freshwater lakes. The study reveals that even rural areas far from urban centers receive significant microplastic inputs from the atmosphere.
A Multicompartment Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Semi-remote Boreal Lakes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination across multiple compartments of semi-remote boreal lakes in northwestern Ontario, Canada. The study found that microplastics were present even in these relatively isolated oligotrophic lakes, with fibers being the dominant particle type, suggesting atmospheric deposition and limited local sources as likely pathways.
Investigating microplastic transport in remote ecosystems: High-mountain lakes of the western alps
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic transport to and accumulation in high-mountain lakes in remote ecosystems, using atmospheric deposition measurements and lake sediment analysis. Even at elevations above human habitation, microplastics were deposited from the atmosphere, with concentrations tracking regional air circulation patterns.
Investigating microplastic flux rates in icelandic lakes: Linking atmospheric deposition to precipitation patterns
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured microplastic deposition rates into Icelandic lakes and linked the patterns to local precipitation, suggesting that rainfall and snowfall are key mechanisms driving plastic particles out of the atmosphere and into freshwater. Iceland's remote location makes these findings particularly striking, demonstrating that atmospheric microplastic transport reaches even sparsely populated sub-Arctic regions.
Investigating microplastic flux rates in icelandic lakes: Linking atmospheric deposition to precipitation patterns
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured microplastic deposition rates into Icelandic lakes and linked the patterns to local precipitation, suggesting that rainfall and snowfall are key mechanisms driving plastic particles out of the atmosphere and into freshwater. Iceland's remote location makes these findings particularly striking, demonstrating that atmospheric microplastic transport reaches even sparsely populated sub-Arctic regions.
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.