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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
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Microplastic contamination in Great Lakes fish
Keenan Munno1, Paul A Helm2,3, Chelsea Rochman1
1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Summary
Fish in Lake Ontario and Lake Superior show the highest levels of microplastic contamination ever recorded in bony fish. These findings indicate significant environmental exposure to microplastics in these freshwater ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Aquatic Ecology
Background:
- Freshwater ecosystems are highly susceptible to microplastic contamination due to proximity to human populations.
- Marine ecosystems are generally less contaminated than adjacent freshwater systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ingested microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in fish from Lake Ontario and Lake Superior.
- To chemically analyze microparticles to confirm polymer types and anthropogenic origins.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of 7 fish species from Lake Ontario and Lake Superior.
- Assessment of gastrointestinal tracts for ingested microplastics and anthropogenic particles.
- Chemical analysis of a subset of microparticles to determine polymer types.
Main Results:
- The highest concentration of microplastics and anthropogenic microparticles ever reported in bony fish was documented.
- A total of 12,442 anthropogenic microparticles were found in 212 fish from Lake Ontario, 943 in 50 fish from Humber River, and 3094 in 119 fish from Lake Superior.
- Microfibers constituted the majority of particles, with polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene being the most common microplastics.
Conclusions:
- Ingestion of anthropogenic particles varied significantly among fish species in Lake Ontario.
- A positive correlation was observed between fish length and the abundance of anthropogenic particles in Lake Ontario.
- High microplastic abundance in fish suggests environmental exposure may exceed risk thresholds.
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