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Microplastic abundance throughout Puget Sound
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This study measured microplastic concentrations across multiple zones of Puget Sound and found that human population density was the strongest predictor of where plastics accumulated. The findings help map how plastic is distributed in this Pacific Northwest estuary and can guide more targeted cleanup efforts.
Microplastic pollution in the ocean is caused by the human population, and the way it transports throughout the water can be affected by numerous factors such as wind, tides, and residence times of the water. Microplastic concentrations were determined through sampling in multiple areas throughout Puget Sound: Admiralty Inlet, Hood Canal, Whidbey Basin, and the central basin during December 2017 and January 2018. The microplastic concentrations were compared to the multiple factors that could affect concentration (wind, tides, residence times and human population), and the concentrations were correlated with human population the most, out of all the other factors. This study can be used to help understand how plastic is distributed throughout Puget Sound, to help facilitate more efficient clean-ups in the area.
More Papers Like This
The concentration of microplastics compared to relative population proximity and basin residence times in Hood Canal and Whidbey Basin in Puget Sound, WA
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This study measured microplastic concentrations in Hood Canal and Whidbey Basin in Puget Sound in relation to local human population density, finding higher plastic concentrations in more populated areas. The results reinforce that human activity is the primary driver of microplastic contamination in regional waterways.
Concentration of Microplastics in Beach Sediments Surrounding Seattle, Washington in the Puget Sound Estuary
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This study measured microplastic concentrations in beach sediments at 12 sites surrounding Seattle in Puget Sound, finding a total of 1,776 microplastic pieces per square meter across all sites with a weak relationship to nearby population density. The findings contribute to baseline data on microplastic contamination in an important Pacific Northwest estuary.
The quantification of microplastics along a primary Puget Sound river A study from headwaters to estuary
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This study quantified microplastic concentrations along a primary river in the Puget Sound watershed in Washington State, documenting abundance and polymer types at multiple locations. The results add to baseline data on freshwater microplastic contamination in the Pacific Northwest and highlight river systems as transport corridors for plastic entering Puget Sound.
Exploration of Microplastics in the Lower Puyallup River Watershed
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This study surveyed microplastic abundance, types, and distribution in the lower Puyallup River watershed in Washington State, investigating the river's role in transporting microplastics toward Puget Sound. The work contributes baseline data on freshwater microplastic pollution in a Pacific Northwest watershed draining into a sensitive marine estuary.
Characterizing Microplastics of Surface Waters from the Puget Sound, Washington
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Researchers from the University of Washington Tacoma, working with an environmental education nonprofit, characterized microplastics in surface waters of Puget Sound using a community science sampling approach. The study adds to the growing body of evidence that microplastics are widespread in Pacific Northwest coastal waters.
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.