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Papers
4 resultsShowing papers from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
ClearSmall-Size Microplastics in Urban Stormwater Runoff are Efficiently Trapped in a Bioretention Cell
Researchers conducted a two-year field study showing that bioretention cells, a type of green stormwater infrastructure, effectively captured microplastics as small as 25 micrometers from urban runoff. The system retained over 80 percent of small microplastics, with fibers and fragments being the most commonly trapped types. The findings suggest that existing urban green infrastructure can serve double duty as a practical tool for reducing microplastic pollution in waterways.
Pavement wear generates microplastics in stormwater runoff
Researchers conducted a two-year field study showing that pavement wear is a distinct and previously underappreciated source of microplastics in urban stormwater, separate from tire wear. They found that asphalt pavement was most susceptible to degradation in the field, while recycled rubber pavers released the most microplastics in lab testing. The study emphasizes the need to consider microplastic generation during pavement material selection and urban infrastructure planning.
Bioretention cells remove microplastics from urban stormwater
A 2-year field study characterized microplastics in urban stormwater runoff and measured how effectively a bioretention cell (a low-impact development infrastructure) removed them. The bioretention cell significantly reduced microplastic concentrations in stormwater, demonstrating its potential as a mitigation strategy for urban runoff-driven microplastic pollution.
A multi‐metric index for assessing two decades of community responses to broad‐scale shoreline enhancement and restoration along the Toronto waterfront
Researchers used 20 years of fish community data from the Toronto waterfront to develop a multi-metric index based on species life history traits and habitat associations, evaluating ecosystem responses to shoreline restoration and enhancement across wetland and embayment ecotypes. Fish communities transitioned from pelagic cool and coldwater species toward native warmwater piscivores associated with vegetation and cover, with the largest restoration site approaching natural reference community indices.