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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics in the Water Column of Western Lake Superior
ClearVertical Distribution of Microplastics in the Water Column and Surficial Sediment from the Milwaukee River Basin to Lake Michigan
Microplastics were measured in water surface, water subsurface, and sediment samples along the Milwaukee River continuum to Lake Michigan, finding density-dependent vertical distribution with low-density polymers concentrated at the surface and high-density polymers in sediments. The study demonstrates a clear polymer partitioning pattern with depth in freshwater systems.
An analysis of microlitter and microplastics from Lake Superior beach sand and surface-water
Researchers sampled beach sand and surface water in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore of Lake Superior, finding microlitter particles including microplastics even in this relatively pristine Great Lakes environment, with samples collected in May and July 2018.
Size Distributions of Microplastics in the St Louis Estuary and Western Lake Superior
Researchers mapped the sizes, shapes, and types of microplastics in western Lake Superior and its harbor, finding roughly similar overall counts but meaningful differences in composition. Harbor samples near urban areas had larger particles and more diverse plastic types, while standard counting methods significantly underestimated the smallest particles (under 45 micrometers), highlighting gaps in how we measure microplastic pollution in freshwater.
Elucidating the vertical transport of microplastics in the water column: A review of sampling methodologies and distributions
This review synthesized sampling methodologies and findings on microplastic vertical distribution in the water column, identifying that surface trawl studies dramatically underestimate total water column burdens and that sinking behavior, biofouling, and hydrodynamic processes create complex depth-dependent distribution patterns.
A multilevel dataset of microplastic abundance in the world’s upper ocean and the Laurentian Great Lakes
Researchers synthesized 8,218 pelagic microplastic samples from the world's oceans into a multilevel public dataset, calibrating for sampling differences and vertical mixing effects to provide standardized global estimates of upper ocean microplastic abundance.
A Multicompartment Assessment of Microplastic Contamination in Semi-remote Boreal Lakes
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination across multiple compartments of semi-remote boreal lakes in northwestern Ontario, Canada. The study found that microplastics were present even in these relatively isolated oligotrophic lakes, with fibers being the dominant particle type, suggesting atmospheric deposition and limited local sources as likely pathways.
Microplastics in 132 Iowa lakes and variability in relation to abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors
Researchers surveyed microplastic concentrations across 132 lakes in Iowa, finding that microplastics were nearly ubiquitous even in rural, minimally developed lakes — though concentrations were higher in lakes near urban areas, agricultural land, and higher human population density. Fiber-type microplastics were most common, consistent with patterns seen globally. The broad survey across diverse lake types provides compelling evidence that microplastic contamination of freshwater lakes is widespread across the American Midwest, not limited to industrial or highly urbanized regions.
Microplastic pollution in the surface waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes
Researchers documented microplastic pollution across the surface waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes, finding contamination in all lakes sampled — particularly Lake Erie — with fibers as the dominant particle type, highlighting plastic pollution in a critical freshwater system.
Difference in the fate of surface and subsurface microplastics: an example for open and coastal waters
Researchers compared the behavior of surface and subsurface microplastics in open ocean and coastal waters, finding that vertical mixing and biological processes move substantial quantities of plastic below the surface. Subsurface sampling revealed microplastics that would be missed by surface net tows alone. The findings suggest that surface-based microplastic monitoring significantly underestimates the total plastic burden in the ocean water column.
Microplastic content variation in water column: The observations employing a novel sampling tool in stratified Baltic Sea
Researchers developed a novel sampling tool capable of collecting several cubic metres of water from predefined depth layers down to 100 m and used it to investigate microplastic distribution in the stratified Baltic Sea during spring thermocline formation. They found strong vertical microplastic stratification at all stations, with fibre-rich surface layers near terrestrial sources and offshore variability linked to thermohaline structure.
Microplastic pollution in Taihu Lake: Spatial distribution from the lake inlet to the lake centre and vertical stratification in the water column
Researchers mapped microplastic distribution in Taihu Lake from the inlet to the center and at different water depths. They found that concentrations were highest near the inlet and decreased toward the lake center, while vertical distribution showed accumulation patterns influenced by water movement and particle density. The study improves understanding of how microplastics move and settle within large freshwater lake systems.
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the sediment profiles of the Lake Taihu, eastern China
Researchers analyzed vertical microplastic distribution in sediment cores from Lake Taihu, China, finding microplastics at all depths down to 50 cm with total abundances of up to 8,100 particles/kg dry weight, suggesting that surface sediment sampling significantly underestimates total microplastic storage.
Microplastic Abundance and Composition in Western Lake Superior As Determined via Microscopy, Pyr-GC/MS, and FTIR
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in western Lake Superior surface waters using microscopy, pyrolysis-gas chromatography, and FTIR spectroscopy. Fibers were the most common particle type found, and polyethylene was among the most frequently identified polymers. The study establishes baseline microplastic contamination levels in the Great Lakes and demonstrates the value of combining multiple analytical methods for accurate characterization.
Cruise BH25-04 on RV Blue Heron
Researchers conducted a research cruise on RV Blue Heron to study both sinking and suspended microplastic particles in Lake Superior, contributing field data on the vertical distribution and transport dynamics of microplastics in one of the world's largest freshwater lakes.
Beyond the surface: Stratification and turnover control microplastic dynamics in a seasonally ice-covered sentinel lake
A 15-month study of a Canadian lake found that microplastic concentrations were highest deep in the water column during summer stratification and in snow and ice at winter's end, not at the surface where most sampling occurs — meaning standard surface measurements underestimate whole-lake microplastic loads by up to 85%. Seasonal turnover temporarily flushes and redistributes particles, highlighting that sampling at one time point or depth can give a wildly misleading picture of how much plastic is actually in a lake.
Occurrence of microplastics in the water column and sediment in an inland sea affected by intensive anthropogenic activities
The first survey of microplastics in the water column and sediments of an inland sea affected by heavy anthropogenic activity found microplastics at all depths and in all sediment layers, with higher concentrations at the bottom. The results demonstrate that microplastic contamination in heavily used water bodies extends through the entire water column rather than being confined to the surface.
Beyond the surface – Microplastic hotspots in the water column of a top plastic-polluted deep lake
Researchers sampled microplastics at four depths in the heavily polluted Lake Lugano (Switzerland/Italy) across all seasons, finding the highest concentrations not at the surface but in the upper 20 meters — the layer where light penetrates and aquatic life is most active. Surface sampling alone dramatically underestimates how much plastic freshwater organisms actually encounter, highlighting the need to study the full water column in lake pollution assessments.
Microplastic Pollution in Surface Waters and Sediments of Urban Lake
This book chapter reviews microplastic pollution in urban lake surface waters and sediments, describing sources, distribution patterns, and the ecological consequences of MP accumulation in these widely used but understudied freshwater habitats.
Microplastics in subsurface water and zooplankton from eight lakes in British Columbia
Researchers quantified microplastics in subsurface water and zooplankton from eight British Columbia lakes, finding polyester fibers as the dominant form, with no relationship between microplastic levels and local population density, suggesting atmospheric deposition and recreational activity as primary sources.
Spatial distribution of microplastics in volcanic lake water and sediments: Relationships with depth and sediment grain size
Microplastics were mapped in both water and sediment across depth gradients in a volcanic lake, finding that plastic concentrations increased with depth in sediments and were related to sediment grain size. The study provides rare data on microplastic distribution in volcanic lake systems and highlights sediment accumulation as a long-term plastic sink.
Plastics from Surface to Seabed: Vertical Distribution of (Micro)plastic Particles in the North Pacific Ocean
Researchers investigated the vertical distribution of microplastics across the water column and deep-sea sediments (>5 km) in the North Pacific Ocean, finding concentrations of 8-2600 items/m3 in the water column and 1100-3200 items/kg in sediments, with distinct patterns across the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, Papahanaumokuakea Monument, and a less-polluted open ocean site.
Microplastic contamination in Lake Winnipeg, Canada
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in Lake Winnipeg, Canada, finding widespread pollution across the lake with fibers as the dominant particle type, reflecting inputs from the surrounding watershed and atmospheric deposition.
The Vertical Distribution of Microplastics in the Water Column of Lake Ladoga
Researchers measured the vertical distribution of microplastics in the water column of Lake Ladoga, Russia's largest lake, collecting samples at multiple depths and characterizing particle types and concentrations. Microplastic concentrations were highest in surface waters but significant quantities were found at depth, with fibres predominating throughout the water column.
Microplastics in a deep, dimictic lake of the North German Plain with special regard to vertical distribution patterns
Researchers assessed the vertical distribution of microplastics in Lake Tollense, a deep dimictic lake in northern Germany, sampling particles 63-5000 μm at surface, 7 m, and 10 m depths on three occasions. The study found that vertical distribution patterns varied with lake stratification and depth, contributing new data on how physical processes in freshwater lakes influence where microplastics accumulate.