We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Sources of Microplastics in San Francisco Bay, California, USA
AI summary Read the abstract
This research identified and quantified the major sources of microplastics entering San Francisco Bay, including stormwater runoff, wastewater treatment plant effluent, and atmospheric deposition. The findings point to urban runoff as a dominant pathway for microplastics reaching this heavily urbanized estuary.
Understanding the sources of microplastics to an ecosystem informs mitigation. Here, I determined the importance of specific sources of microplastics to San Francisco Bay – a heavily populated bay in California, USA. I quantified and characterized microplastics in surface waters of the bay and adjacent National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS). I also quantified and characterized microplastics in source waters: wastewater effluent and stormwater runoff. I compared the diversity of microplastics in source waters to surface water. My results suggest that stormwater runoff influenced microplastic concentrations in Central Bay and South Bay, while wastewater effluent influenced microplastics in North Bay and Lower South Bay. Our findings show that effective mitigation strategies may vary by location. Throughout this project, we came across difficulties identifying fibers using spectroscopic techniques and developed a method to circumvent barriers. The success of the method was confirmed and applied to samples from The Bay to demonstrate its applicability.
More Papers Like This
Urban Stormwater Runoff: A Major Pathway for Anthropogenic Particles, Black Rubbery Fragments, and Other Types of Microplastics to Urban Receiving Waters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastics in urban stormwater runoff from 12 watersheds surrounding San Francisco Bay and found concentrations ranging from 1.1 to 24.6 particles per liter, much higher than typical wastewater treatment plant effluent. The study suggests that stormwater runoff is a major and underappreciated pathway for microplastics and other anthropogenic particles to enter urban waterways.
Microplastic contamination in the San Francisco Bay, California, USA
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance across nine sites in San Francisco Bay and in effluent from eight wastewater treatment plants, finding average surface water concentrations of 700,000 particles per km² — higher than other North American urban waterbodies — and noting that tertiary filtration did not meaningfully reduce microplastic discharge compared to secondary treatment.
A Microplastic Pollution Hotspot: Elevated Levels in Sediments from the San Francisco Bay Area
AI summary Read the abstract
Sediment samples from San Francisco Bay revealed elevated microplastic concentrations across sites, with polymer types and morphologies consistent with local urban runoff and atmospheric deposition sources.
Microplastics in Urban Watersheds, Southern California, USA
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized microplastic transport in urban watersheds of Southern California across a range of storm and dry weather flow conditions. Microplastic concentrations were highest during initial storm events as accumulated plastics were flushed from urban surfaces. The findings highlight stormwater runoff from urban areas as a major driver of microplastic transport to the marine environment.
Microplastic in urban sources and receiving water within an urban area
AI summary Read the abstract
This international study measured microplastic concentrations in urban stormwater sources and receiving water bodies within a city, quantifying how urban runoff pathways contribute to microplastic loads in local aquatic environments.
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.