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The Fate of Microplastics in Rural Headwater Lake Catchments
Brittany Welsh1, Andrew M Paterson2, Huaxia Yao2
1School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada.
Environmental Science & Technology
|September 4, 2024
Summary
Atmospheric deposition is the primary source of microplastics (MPs) in rural lakes. These MPs can remain in lakes for 3-12 years, highlighting lakes as significant MP reservoirs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Water Quality
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing global concern, impacting freshwater ecosystems.
- Understanding microplastic sources, transport, and fate in lakes is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microplastic (MP) fluxes in rural headwater lake catchments over 12 months.
- To estimate microplastic residence time in freshwater lakes using a novel catchment particle balance approach.
- To identify dominant MP sources and polymer types in the studied region.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month study was conducted in three rural lake catchments in Ontario, Canada.
- A catchment particle balance approach was employed, accounting for atmospheric deposition, stream inflow/outflow, and sedimentation.
- Microplastic samples were analyzed for shape, polymer type, and quantified to determine fluxes and residence times.
Main Results:
- Atmospheric deposition (3.95–8.09 mp/m²/day) was a greater daily microplastic source than stream inflows (2.21–2.34 mp/m²/day).
- Significant retention of microplastics occurred within terrestrial catchments (44–71%) and lakes (30–49%).
- Estimated microplastic residence time in lakes ranged from 3 to 12 years, with poly(ethylene terephthalate) being the most common polymer.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric deposition is a key microplastic pathway to rural lake systems.
- Freshwater lakes act as substantial reservoirs for microplastics due to long residence times.
- Microplastic pollution characteristics vary by environmental medium, with fibers dominant in water and fragments in sediment.
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