We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characterizing Microplastic Pollution in New York State Waterways
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigating microplastic pollution in New York State waterways found that plastic fragments — not just the spherical microbeads from personal care products — were the dominant form of contamination. The findings highlight how diverse and widespread microplastic sources are, complicating efforts to reduce their entry into freshwater systems.
We are investigating the extent to which microplastic particles <1 mm in diameter, sourced primarily from personal care products such as facial scrubs and whitening toothpastes, are reaching major waterways of eastern New York State. In 2013, samples of planktonic material were collected at 16 sites in the near-shore channels of the lower Mohawk River between Utica and Waterford, NY, and the upper Hudson River between Selkirk and Troy, NY. To date, we have found only a few of the spherical microbeads that are commonly associated with personal care products. Instead, much of the plastic material we have recovered is in the form of plastic fragments. When we reexamined the microplastic particles in nine personal care products (seven scrubs and two toothpastes), we found that only three of the products contained spherical microbeads, while all nine contained smaller irregularly-shaped translucent plastic particles that mimic the appearance of angular quartz grains. Most of the particles float at the surface in water, but some remain suspended within the water column. Our examination of the source materials suggested that the distribution of microplastic particles in the fluvial environment is more complex than might be expected, and has informed the process of characterizing the microplastics in the 2013 samples. Visual identification of likely plastic particles is followed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to identify specific plastic compounds in samples. The recognition of microplastic pollution in waterways and increasing public awareness of the issue have motivated the introduction of legislation to ban microplastic-bearing products at the federal, state, and county levels, with an ever-increasing number of bills signed into law. In addition, a number of major manufacturers have already phased out microplastics in their products, or have pledged to phase them out soon (typically by 2017). Personal care products containing microplastics are still available in stores, however, and thus the potential for continued microplastic pollution through the wastewater stream still remains.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Pollution in Tributaries of the Mohawk River, New York State
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics in nearly all 22 tributaries of the Mohawk River in New York — a source of municipal drinking water — and observed that storm events can dramatically spike microplastic loads, suggesting small streams and storm sewers are significant but overlooked pathways for plastic contamination of drinking water sources.
Intensive Sampling for Microplastic Pollution in the Mohawk River, Eastern New York State
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected planktonic and sediment samples along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal using manta trawls and Ekman grab samplers, using Raman spectroscopy to identify microplastics and even match paint fragments from canal locks found in river samples.
Elevated Microplastic Concentration in a Small Tributary Stream Under High-flow Conditions: Implications for the Mohawk River, New York
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic concentrations in a small New York tributary stream surged to 125 particles per cubic meter during high-flow conditions—roughly ten times the low-flow baseline—correlating with storm drain inflow and sewage leakage. This demonstrates that rainfall events dramatically amplify microplastic transport from urban infrastructure into waterways, with implications for downstream river and drinking water contamination.
Pervasive Microplastic Pollution Found in the Mohawk River, New York State
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed 63 planktonic trawl samples and 64 sediment grab samples across 112 miles of the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, finding microplastics in every sample, with highest particle abundances downstream of major urban centers like Utica and Schenectady.
Microplastics in Water: Occurrence, Environmental Effects, and Removal Methods
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the sources, environmental effects, and removal methods for microplastics in water, finding these contaminants are widespread across drinking water, rivers, and oceans, and that current water treatment technologies are only partially effective at removing them before they reach people.
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.