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Ubiquity of Microplastic Pollution in Canada
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Undergraduate research found microplastic contamination in both the North Saskatchewan River near Edmonton and in Arctic sediments of Frobisher Bay, demonstrating that plastic pollution is pervasive across Canada from densely populated urban centers to remote Arctic regions.
My CHEM/EASC 498 research projects investigate microplastic contamination in both the water column of the North Saskatchewan River (NSR) and Arctic sediments of Frobisher Bay. This research shows that microplastic contamination is everywhere from densely populated urban centers such as Edmonton to the highly secluded and sparsely populated Arctic archipelago. The effects of such contaminants are yet to be fully understood however microplastics have been observed to be ingested by organisms and is unable to be metabolised. This will lead to bioaccumulation and may interrupt food webs having greater effects at higher trophic levels. This data are the initial measurements for microplastic pollution in both the NSR and Arctic sediments of Frobisher Bay in a rapidly growing and highly imperative field of research. Discipline: Earth and Planetary Sciences Faculty Mentor: Dr. Matthew Ross
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Pollution in the Urbanized North Saskatchewan River
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Microplastic occurrence and potential point sources were investigated in the urbanized North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton, Alberta, with water samples collected from multiple sites. The study documents microplastic contamination in a major Canadian prairie river and identifies urban wastewater and runoff as key local sources.
Microplastics in aquatic environments: Implications for Canadian ecosystems
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This review summarizes what is known about microplastic contamination in Canadian freshwater and marine environments, covering sources, distribution, and potential ecological effects. Researchers found that while microplastics have been detected across Canadian waters from the Great Lakes to Arctic coastlines, significant data gaps exist for many regions. The study calls for standardized monitoring methods and more research into how microplastics affect Canadian aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
Microplastic Contamination of the Canadian Archipelago
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Microplastic contamination was assessed in sediment and water samples from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, a remote region with low direct human activity. The presence of microplastics in this isolated polar environment confirms long-range transport of plastic pollution via ocean currents and atmospheric pathways.
Characterization of microplastics and anthropogenic fibers in surface waters of the North Saskatchewan River, Alberta, Canada
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Microplastic occurrence, composition, and spatial trends were investigated in the North Saskatchewan River flowing through Edmonton, Alberta. The study found microplastics throughout the urban river corridor, with fiber shapes and synthetic polymers from urban sources dominating the contamination profile.
Remote, but Not Isolated—Microplastics in the Sub-surface Waters of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago
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Microplastics were found in subsurface waters throughout the remote Canadian Arctic Archipelago, indicating that plastic pollution has reached even the most isolated polar regions. Increasing Arctic shipping routes may be introducing additional local sources of plastic contamination to these pristine 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.