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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.
Plastic pollution in the marine environment is an increasing concern. Microplastics (0.3-5 mm in size) are of most concern because they cannot be easily spotted, last the longest, and are easily ingested by marine organisms and make their way through the food chain. This study examines the distribution of microplastics found on Seattle beaches and on beaches to the north and south of the city. I collected sediment from three 1 m2 quadrats on each beach of my 12 sample sites using the Beach Sampling Protocol from the Port Townsend Marine Science Center to ensure comparison of data with other studies. The results show a total of 1,776 microplastic pieces/m2 collected at all twelve beaches, with a weak connection between spatial distribution and population density of nearby cities. As beaches erode, these microplastics are transported into Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean. It remains an open question of how many and how much of these microplastic particles are exported from the beaches into the ocean.
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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.
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.
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.
Microplastics Analysis and Quantification of Benthic Sediments of the Salish Sea
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Sediment samples from the Salish Sea (Puget Sound region) were analyzed to determine the abundance, location, and types of microplastics settling in this ecologically important marine area. The study contributes to understanding how microplastics accumulate in seafloor sediments and identifies potential pollution hotspots.
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.