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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic pollution in the surface waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes
ClearEnvironmental Chemical Contaminants in Food: Review of a Global Problem
This study measured microplastic contamination in the surface waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes and found plastic particles present across all five lakes. The majority of particles were fragments and fibers, with the highest concentrations found near urban areas and in downstream lakes. The findings indicate that the Great Lakes are a significant reservoir of microplastic pollution, with densities comparable to those reported in marine environments.
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.
Towards a management strategy for microplastic pollution in the Laurentian Great Lakes - Monitoring (Part 1)
This review outlines a proposed monitoring strategy for microplastic contamination in the Laurentian Great Lakes, addressing sampling methods, key knowledge gaps, and recommendations to support effective management of plastic pollution in this major freshwater system.
Plastics in Paradise: Quantifying Microplastics in Lake Champlain Beaches
Researchers quantified and characterized microplastics on Lake Champlain beaches, finding contamination at all sampled sites with fragments and fibers as the dominant particle types. The study documents that even inland freshwater shorelines accumulate significant microplastic loads over time.
Source-specific categorization of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes
A source-specific characterization study of microplastics in nearshore surface waters of the Great Lakes found the highest abundances near urban centers, with distinct polymer and color signatures linking particles to packaging, fibers, and industrial sources.
Plastic debris in the Laurentian Great Lakes: A review
This review synthesized available data on plastic debris in the Laurentian Great Lakes, including both surface water surveys and shoreline monitoring, finding levels comparable to those in oceanic garbage patches in some areas. The review highlighted the Great Lakes as a significant freshwater plastic pollution hotspot requiring targeted research and management.
Global microplastic contamination in freshwater lakes: Spatial patterns, environmental drivers, and methodological challenges
This review systematically analyzed 84 studies covering more than 300 lakes worldwide to assess global microplastic contamination in freshwater lake systems. Surface water MP concentrations ranged from below 0.001 to over 200 MP/L, with fibers and fragments dominating, polyethylene and polypropylene most common, and highest levels found in shallow, lowland, and eutrophic systems near urbanized shorelines.
Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in Surficial Benthic Sediment of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie
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 Microbead Accumulation in our Freshwaters:North American Great Lakes Assessments and Perspective
This paper reviews microplastic sampling studies across the North American Great Lakes, one of the world's largest freshwater systems. High concentrations of plastic microbeads and fibers were found even in remote nature reserves, far from major urban centers. The authors call for stricter product regulations and improved wastewater treatment to reduce microplastic input to these vital water bodies.
A survey on the effect of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
This review surveys plastic pollution in the Great Lakes of North America, examining the distribution of micro-, meso-, and macroplastics across these ecologically and economically important freshwater systems. The Great Lakes contain significant quantities of microplastics from surrounding urban and industrial areas, threatening freshwater biodiversity and drinking water quality.
Microplastic contamination in Great Lakes fish
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in seven species of fish from Lake Ontario and Lake Superior, finding anthropogenic particles in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish from both lakes. The study documented higher concentrations in Lake Ontario, likely reflecting greater surrounding population density and urban input, and confirmed the particles were synthetic polymers through chemical analysis.
Inventory and transport of plastic debris in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Researchers modeled plastic debris transport in the Laurentian Great Lakes using hydrodynamic current data and population-based input estimates, calculating that approximately 9,887 metric tons of plastic enter the lakes annually, with surface microplastic mass concentrated in Lakes Erie and Huron based on sampling-calibrated simulations.
Analyzing Water Quality and Identifying Microfibers in the Lake Michigan Watershed
This study analyzed water samples from the Lake Michigan watershed for microplastics and microfibers, finding contamination at multiple sites across the region. The results contribute to growing evidence that the Great Lakes and their tributaries are significantly affected by microplastic pollution from surrounding urban and industrial areas.
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.
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.
On the likelihood of ecological risks from microplastics in the Laurentian Great Lakes
This review assessed the likelihood of ecological risks from microplastics in the Laurentian Great Lakes, identifying significant challenges for risk assessment due to inconsistent data quality and lack of standardized methods, and calling for policy development to address microplastic pollution in these iconic ecosystems.
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 the Great Lakes: Environmental, Health, and Socioeconomic Implications and Future Directions
This review examined the environmental, health, and socioeconomic implications of microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes, where plastics make up the majority of litter. The study highlights that microplastics can be taken up by aquatic organisms and enter the food chain, and may also serve as vectors for chemical pollutants and pathogens, raising concerns about both ecosystem and human health impacts.
Distribution and Modeled Transport of Plastic Pollution in the Great Lakes, the World's Largest Freshwater Resource
Researchers conducted field surveys of plastic pollution across the Great Lakes and associated rivers, combining surface trawl measurements with hydrodynamic transport modelling to characterise concentrations, fluxes, and pathways of plastic litter from freshwater to the ocean.
Research status and prospects of microplastic pollution in lakes
This review systematically covers microplastic pollution research in lakes, including sampling and identification methods, distribution patterns, ecological effects, and knowledge gaps, identifying lakes as important but understudied sinks for microplastic contamination.
A comparative review of microplastics in lake systems from different countries and regions
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination data from lake systems across multiple countries, finding that abundance, size, and polymer type varied widely by region and identifying land use, population density, and hydrological connectivity as key drivers of lake microplastic levels.
Microplastics in lakes and rivers: an issue of emerging significance to limnology
Researchers found that microplastic concentrations in freshwater lakes and rivers can exceed those of living organisms like zooplankton, with sediment levels matching the most contaminated marine sites, establishing microplastics as a significant issue for limnology.
Categorization of plastic debris on sixty-six beaches of the Laurentian Great Lakes, North America
Researchers categorized 21,592 plastic debris items from 66 beaches across the Laurentian Great Lakes and found that pre-production plastic pellets dominated at 58% of total items, with the highest densities exceeding 800 items/m2 at beaches near industrial areas in Ontario, Canada.
Direct Microplastic Inputs from Wastewater Treatment Plants to the Laurentian Great Lakes
Despite retaining over 70% of incoming microplastics, wastewater treatment plants on the Great Lakes still discharge substantial quantities into this critical freshwater system, making them important targets for reducing microplastic pollution.