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The presence and significance of microplastics in surface water in the Lower Hudson River Estuary 2016–2019: A research note
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This long-term study of microplastic levels in the Hudson River found that concentrations were influenced by proximity to combined sewer overflows, rainfall, and tidal patterns. The results suggest that stormwater overflow after heavy rainfall is a significant pulse source of microplastics into urban waterways, with implications for how cities manage sewer systems.
Microplastics are a major environmental issue of concern. Since 2016, Hudson River Park has collaborated with Brooklyn College to survey microplastics within Park waters between Chambers and 59th Streets in Manhattan. It was hypothesized that microplastic concentration is influenced by proximity to combined sewer overflow (CSO) points, precipitation, and tides. Samples were collected at channel and near-shore locations at downtown and midtown sites. Microplastics were analyzed following NOAA methods via stereo microscope. Concentrations in 2018 were higher than in 2016, 2017 and 2019 ((ANOVA F (1,70) = 5.2, p < 0.03*; post hoc Tukey test p < 0.009*)), and near-shore sites tended to exhibit higher concentrations than channel sites (ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey: p < 0.03*). Microfibers were not fully accounted for and fragments were highly prevalent in all samples (~70%). Additional data will improve the understanding of the presence of microplastics in the Lower Hudson and elucidate the effects of wet weather on plastic concentrations.
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Change in microplastic concentration during various temporal events downstream of a combined sewage overflow and in an urban stormwater creek
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Researchers examined how microplastic concentrations in urban waterways changed during rain events, snowmelt, and combined sewage overflow episodes, finding that stormwater runoff and sewer overflows substantially increase microplastic loads, with event type and intensity influencing concentration patterns.
Quantification and Source Identification of Microplastic Pollution
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This New York State report quantified and identified sources of microplastic pollution in the Hudson River Estuary, providing one of the early systematic assessments of microplastic contamination in a major US river system to support state-level water quality management.
Quantification and composition of microplastics in the Raritan Hudson Estuary: Comparison to pathways of entry and implications for fate
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A comprehensive microplastic survey of the Raritan Hudson Estuary characterized particle abundance and polymer composition across multiple media and compared concentrations to known input pathways, identifying wastewater treatment plant effluent and stormwater as the dominant sources.
Source And Fate Of Microplastics Fibers In The Ocean - A Case Of Study In Newtown Creek And Flushing Bay
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Researchers investigated the sources and fate of microplastic fibers in Newtown Creek and Flushing Bay in New York, finding wastewater effluent and combined sewer overflows as primary contributors. This study highlights urban waterways as conduits for fiber transport from land-based sources including laundry effluent to coastal marine environments.
Occurrence and fate of microplastics in Parisian combined sewer network
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This study investigated the occurrence and fate of microplastics in the combined sewer network of Paris, tracking particles from urban inputs through the wastewater system. Significant amounts of microplastics were found throughout the system, with storm events increasing concentrations. Combined sewer overflow events can release untreated microplastic-laden water directly into rivers during heavy rain.
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.