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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

Published on: July 28, 2018

Microplastics in aquatic environments: Implications for Canadian ecosystems.

Julie C Anderson¹, Bradley J Park², Vince P Palace¹

¹Stantec Consulting Ltd., 500-311 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 2B9, Canada.

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)

|July 20, 2016

Summary

Microplastic pollution is rising in Canadian waters, but research is limited. More studies are needed to understand risks to aquatic life and identify pollution sources.

Keywords:

Canada Freshwater Marine Microplastics Toxicity

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Last Updated: Mar 17, 2026

Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris

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Sampling and Identification of Microplastics in Groundwater

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Published on: November 7, 2025

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Ecotoxicology
Aquatic Ecology

Background:

Microplastics are prevalent in global aquatic environments, raising concerns about ecological impacts.
Research on microplastics has surged globally since 2010, yet Canadian aquatic systems remain understudied.
Understanding microplastic sources, fate, behavior, abundance, and toxicological effects is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and summarize existing knowledge on microplastics in Canadian aquatic environments.
To identify research gaps concerning microplastic presence, fate, and effects in Canada.
To highlight areas requiring further investigation, particularly for Canadian freshwater and Arctic ecosystems.

Main Methods:

Conducted a comprehensive literature review of microplastic research.
Focused on studies published globally with relevance to Canadian aquatic environments.
Synthesized findings on sources, environmental fate, behavior, abundance, and toxicological effects.

Main Results:

Global research on microplastics has increased significantly, but Canadian-specific studies are scarce.
Key data gaps exist regarding microplastic characterization in Canadian freshwater ecosystems.
Limited information is available on microplastic sources and their impact on Arctic biota.

Conclusions:

Urgent need for targeted research on microplastic risks to Canadian aquatic organisms.
Further investigation is required to identify primary microplastic sources in Canadian waters.
Prioritizing research in Canadian freshwater and Arctic environments is essential to address knowledge gaps.