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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.
Plastic pollution in the Laurentian Great Lakes is becoming a significant environmental concern with the threats of species entanglement, adsorption of toxins such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and persistent organic molecules (POPs), and subsequent ingestion. Lake Erie tributary (by Petite Ponar), beach (by Split Spoon sampler), and benthic sediments (by Shipek grabs) were collected and evaluated for microplastic particles (0.5 mm) (by quadrats and transects). These results were mapped using ArcGIS software to show distribution and abundance in regards to quaternary watershed population density and plastic industrial plants, manufacturers, and distributors. Tributaries in urban areas were more abundant in microplastics than in more rural tributaries. At beaches, backshores were more abundant in microplastics than in the foreshore, likely due to natural beach dynamics of sediment accumulation. The greatest abundance of microplastics was found in the Western Basin of Lake Erie, where the Detroit River drains into the lake. Quaternary watersheds borderingLake Eriewith higher population densities were most abundant in microplastic and macroplastic pollution. Macroplastics were most abundant at beaches in highly populated areas, and macroplastics were least abundant at beaches that were part of conservation areas. A random selection of microplastic fragments and microbeads were analysed using Nicolet Almega Dispersive Raman Spectroscopy and NXR FT-Raman Spectroscopy to determine types of plastics. Polyethylene was the most common microplastic observed among this sample selection. Overall, high population density around the sampling locations correlated to a higher abundance in plastic debris. Conservation areas had the lowest abundance of plastic debris; therefore, employing conservation area environmental practices could be beneficial to reducing plastic debris at other locations along Lake Erie.
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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.
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.
Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in Surficial Benthic Sediment of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie
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The spatial distribution, concentration, particle size, and polymer composition of microplastics in surficial benthic sediments of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie were investigated. Fibers and lines were the most abundant particle type and microplastics were detected in all samples, establishing baseline data for these major freshwater bodies.
Plastic Debris in 29 Great Lakes Tributaries: Relations to Watershed Attributes and Hydrology
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Researchers surveyed plastic debris in 29 Great Lakes tributaries and found widespread contamination, with higher debris loads associated with larger watershed populations, more impervious land surface, and greater storm drain density.
Anthropogenic litter and plastics across size classes on a mechanically groomed Great Lakes urban beach
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Surface litter surveys on a mechanically groomed Lake Erie urban beach found that mechanical grooming significantly reduced litter concentrations, but plastic pollution remained present across all size classes, with proximity to urban sources and visitor activity maintaining ongoing inputs.
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