Polymer type affects the vertical distribution of microplastics in boreal lake sediments
Abstract
Lakes are disproportionately affected by microplastic pollution, and an estimated 99% of microplastics eventually settle in bottom sediments. Yet, knowledge on the mechanisms driving microplastic accumulation in lake sediments is limited. This thesis provides a literature review and contributes to a whole-ecosystem experiment called The pELAstic Project to elucidate the fate of microplastics in lake ecosystems. Three common microplastic polymers of different densities and sizes were added to Lake 378 at the IISD – Experimental Lakes Area. Sediment cores and sediment grab samples were collected across a water depth gradient. Sediment characteristics differed significantly between littoral and profundal samples. A negative association was found for water depth and one of the polymers; sediment depth was a helpful predictor of microplastic concentration across polymers. An interaction between sediment depth and size fraction was identified. This work contributes to microplastic hotspot prediction in sediment to direct the development of in situ remediation methods.
Subject
Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Microplastics removal techniques: challenges and opportunities of in situ field trials and a review of contemporary microplastics removal technologies
Konowe, Celia (2024-08-30)Plastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, especially when understanding how polymers interact within ecosystems. Microplastics (MPs) are difficult to analyze in nature due to variety in polymer, size (MPs are ... -
Marine Microplastic and Nanoplastic Litter in Nova Scotia: Confronting the Rising Tides of Plastics in our Marine Waters, Coastlines and Organisms. [graduate project].
David, Ashley (2016)According to Moore (2008), "plastics are now one of the most common and persistent pollutants in ocean waters and beaches worldwide" (p. 131). Significant increases in plastic production is a considerable driver in the ... -
Detection and Removal of Microplastics in Water Treatment: a Laboratory Evaluation
Lea, Meghan (2023-05-10)Plastic production has significantly increased over the past 50 years due to its low cost, ease of production, versatility, and durability. Plastic materials take decades to degrade and could remain in the environment ...