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Publication Date

4-2021

Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Type

Individual

Degree Type

Graduate

Department

Geography, Geology and the Environment

Mentor

Catherine O'Reilly

Mentor Department

Geography, Geology and the Environment

Abstract

Microplastics have become an increasingly pervasive problem in many aquatic ecosystems. To date, most microplastic research has focused on marine systems as well as larger lakes and rivers. Studies conducted in the Chicago, Seine, and Danube Rivers found the mean microplastic concentrations to be: 1.94 microplastics per m3 , 30 microplastics per m3 , and 0.32 microplastics per m3 , respectively. We investigated the microplastic concentrations and types in a small urban stream and its tributaries in Bloomington, Illinois. We also considered the relationship between watershed characteristics, such as the size of watersheds, and microplastic concentrations. The area of watersheds in this study ranged from 3.6 km2 to 96.2 km2 . GIS methods were used to determine other characteristics such as the percentage of impervious surfaces in the watersheds. Samples were collected in the fall and winter to see if seasonality affects microplastic content. Grab samples were collected from Sugar Creek and respective tributaries. The samples were processed following a standardized method created by the NOAA. We discovered that microplastic concentrations in a small urban stream can be orders of magnitude greater than those found in larger rivers. Land use and seasonality is expected to influence the types and concentrations of microplastics. Our results indicate that urban landscapes may be major contributors of microplastics in freshwater environments.

Notes

Authors: Caitlin Noseworthy, Catherine O'Reilly, William Perry, and RJ Rowley

Microplastic Concentrations in a Central Illinois Urban Stream
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