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Sources and sinks of microplastics in Canadian Lake Ontario nearshore, tributary and beach sediments
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in Lake Ontario sediments from nearshore areas, tributaries, and beaches to map pollution patterns. They found the highest concentrations near urban and industrial zones, particularly in Toronto Harbour, where levels exceeded 500 particles per kilogram of sediment. The study identifies wastewater outflows and urban runoff as key sources of microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes region.
Microplastics contamination of Lake Ontario sediments is investigated with the aim of identifying distribution patterns and hotspots in nearshore, tributary and beach depositional environments. Microplastics are concentrated in nearshore sediments in the vicinity of urban and industrial regions. In Humber Bay and Toronto Harbour microplastic concentrations were consistently >500 particles per kg dry sediment. Maximum concentrations of ~28,000 particles per kg dry sediment were determined in Etobicoke Creek. The microplastic particles were primarily fibres and fragments <2mm in size. Both low- and high-density plastics were identified using Raman spectroscopy. We provide a baseline for future monitoring and discuss potential sources of microplastics in terms of how and where to implement preventative measures to reduce the contaminant influx. Although the impacts of microplastics contamination on ecosystem health and functioning is uncertain, understanding, monitoring and preventing further microplastics contamination in Lake Ontario and the other Great Lakes is crucial.
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Anthropogenic particles in natural sediment sinks: Microplastics accumulation in tributary, beach and lake bottom sediments of Lake Ontario, North America
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Researchers found microplastics in tributary, beach, and lake bottom sediments across Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River, with highest concentrations near urban and industrial areas—reaching up to 28,000 particles per kilogram of sediment near Toronto. The study establishes baseline contamination levels for this major North American freshwater system and warns of risks to bottom-dwelling organisms.
Microplastics entering northwestern Lake Ontario are diverse and linked to urban sources
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Scientists analyzed microplastics and anthropogenic particles entering Lake Ontario from the Greater Toronto Area, finding diverse particle types linked to stormwater runoff, wastewater effluents, and urban atmospheric deposition, with synthetic textiles and tire rubber as dominant sources.
Factors driving the spatial distribution of microplastics in nearshore and offshore sediment of Lake Huron, North America
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Researchers found microplastic abundances in Lake Huron sediments ranging from 59 to 335,714 particles per kg dry weight, with the North Channel showing the highest concentrations averaging 47,398 particles per kg. Results indicated that hydrodynamic processes such as waves and currents drive offshore distribution more than proximity to pollution sources.
Factors controlling the abundance, distribution, and composition of macroplastic and microplastic particles in tributary, beach, and benthic sediments of Lake Erie, Ontario
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This study examined the factors controlling the abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastics in tributary, beach, and benthic sediments of Lake Erie, finding that urban tributaries contained more microplastics than rural ones and that backshore beach zones accumulated more plastic than foreshores. The findings highlight how watershed urbanization and beach dynamics control microplastic distribution in one of North America's largest freshwater lakes.
Source-specific categorization of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes
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A source-specific characterization study of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes found the highest abundances near urban centers, with distinct polymer and color signatures linking particles to packaging, fibers, and industrial sources.
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