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Magnifying microplastics monitoring with a community science sampling and analysis program
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A community science program monitoring the Charleston Harbor Watershed found microplastic fibers in 100% of monthly water samples across 12 sites, with concentrations of 0.6-4.5 particles per liter after verification using micro-Raman spectroscopy. This study demonstrates that trained volunteers can meaningfully expand microplastic monitoring coverage, though secondary verification tools are essential for accurate counts, especially for smaller particles.
Microplastics, plastic particles less than 5 mm in length, are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that affect environmental quality globally. This study aims to address critical knowledge gaps in the distribution and abundance of microplastics in the Charleston Harbor Watershed in South Carolina, USA, through community science, or the involvement of the public in research. Community scientists collected, processed, and analyzed water samples from 12 sites spanning the Charleston Harbor Watershed monthly from July to December of 2023 for microplastic counts, colors, sizes, and types, which were cross-checked against a second researcher’s analysis using a hot needle test and micro-Raman spectroscopy for quality assessment. Surveys were administered before, during, and after the pilot study to understand volunteer motivations and inform program improvements. Suspected microplastics, dominated by fibers, were identified by volunteers in 100% of samples collected, and site average blank-corrected total concentrations ranged 0.9-4.5 particles/L. Total counts (anthropogenic + MPs) by volunteers and cross analysis were closer on average for particles >300 µm than particles 63-300 µm, suggesting a higher confidence level by volunteers to identify larger particles. With the aid of secondary verification tools, cross analysis found significantly lower site average blank-corrected microplastic concentrations than volunteers, ranging 0.6-2.3 particles/L. A spike recovery test identified steps for method improvement. While volunteers expressed concern over time commitment and microscopy skills in survey responses, they also reported skill development and satisfaction with the program. Community science offers a promising study design to increase understanding of microplastic pollution at a watershed scale. • Community science advanced as a novel microplastics monitoring program study design • Suspected microplastics were found in 100% of samples by volunteer analysts • QA/QC included blanks, spike recovery, hot needle testing, and Raman spectroscopy • Surveys effectively informed areas of volunteer concern and program improvements • Leveraging academic-nonprofit partnership can foster program sustainability
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Community Science Microplastics Monitoring Program Volunteer Manual
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists in Charleston created a program that trains everyday volunteers to test local waterways for microplastics - tiny plastic particles that can contaminate our water supply. The program gives regular people the tools and training to help monitor plastic pollution in rivers and harbors that could affect drinking water and seafood safety. This approach helps fill important gaps in tracking microplastic pollution that scientists can't monitor everywhere on their own.
Community Science Microplastics Monitoring Program Volunteer Manual
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists in Charleston created a program where community volunteers help monitor tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) in local waterways using simple, low-cost methods. This approach helps fill important data gaps about plastic pollution in our water systems that could affect human health. The program shows how regular citizens can contribute valuable scientific data to track environmental contamination in their communities.
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Researchers coordinated 42 citizen science volunteers across 68 locations spanning 750 km of the Ottawa River Watershed to collect sediment samples for microplastic analysis, finding relatively low particle concentrations compared to other freshwater watersheds and demonstrating that community science effectively enables large spatial coverage while requiring strict laboratory quality control protocols.
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This paper describes a volunteer microplastic sampling program in Puget Sound, Washington, examining strategies for community participation and data quality in citizen science monitoring of marine plastic pollution. The program demonstrates how broad public involvement can generate spatially extensive environmental data at low cost.
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