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Factors driving the spatial distribution of microplastics in nearshore and offshore sediment of Lake Huron, North America
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Researchers found microplastic abundances in Lake Huron sediments ranging from 59 to 335,714 particles per kg dry weight, with the North Channel showing the highest concentrations averaging 47,398 particles per kg. Results indicated that hydrodynamic processes such as waves and currents drive offshore distribution more than proximity to pollution sources.
Offshore and nearshore sediment samples from Lake Huron, North America, were analysed for microplastics. Normalized abundances ranged from 59 to 335,714 particles per kg of dry weight sediment (p kg dw). Of the four main basins of Lake Huron, the North Channel contained the greatest microplastic abundances, averaging 47,398 p kg dw, followed by Georgian Bay (21,390 p kg dw), the main basin (15,910 p kg dw) and Saginaw Bay (1592 p kg dw). Results indicate that greater lake depths (p = 0.004), associated with finer grained sediment (p = 0.048), are significant zones of deposition. Regression analysis reveals that source-driven factors generally do not account for microplastic abundances and distribution. Instead, process-driven hydrodynamic forces such as waves and surface currents could be driving distribution and deposition into the offshore environment. The findings suggest that these often overlooked processes should be considered when investigating microplastics quantity in bottom sediment of large lakes.
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Factors controlling the abundance, distribution, and composition of macroplastic and microplastic particles in tributary, beach, and benthic sediments of Lake Erie, Ontario
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This study examined the factors controlling the abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastics in tributary, beach, and benthic sediments of Lake Erie, finding that urban tributaries contained more microplastics than rural ones and that backshore beach zones accumulated more plastic than foreshores. The findings highlight how watershed urbanization and beach dynamics control microplastic distribution in one of North America's largest freshwater lakes.
Sources and sinks of microplastics in Canadian Lake Ontario nearshore, tributary and beach sediments
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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.
Microplastics in lakeshore and lakebed sediments – External influences and temporal and spatial variabilities of concentrations
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This study examined spatial and temporal variation in microplastic concentrations in lakeshore and lakebed sediments, finding that external inputs, lake hydrodynamics, and seasonal factors all contributed to heterogeneous distribution patterns.
Microplastic distribution in large shallow lake sediments: Variations with offshore distance and implications for microbial communities
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Researchers analyzed microplastic distribution in sediments of Taihu Lake at varying distances from shore and examined the effects on microbial communities. They found that microplastic abundance decreased with increasing distance from the shoreline, ranging from 240 to 1,120 items per kilogram. The study suggests that microplastic contamination in lake sediments can significantly alter the composition and diversity of local microbial communities.
Microplastics in Beach Sediment Along Southern Shores of Lake Michigan
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Microplastics were detected at all four Indiana beaches along southern Lake Michigan, with pellets and foam being the dominant types and concentrations rivaling those found in marine coastal environments. This confirms the Great Lakes as a significant freshwater reservoir of microplastic pollution, raising concerns about contamination of a major drinking water source.
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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.