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Updated: Jan 31, 2026
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Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
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Microplastic entrainment in surface river algae: a pilot study investigating microplastic concentration during river
Shaun A Forrest1, Darryl McMahon2, William A Adams2
1Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada. shaunforrest@gmail.com.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Removing river algae with a novel skimmer boat also removes significant microplastics from freshwater systems. This pilot study quantifies microplastic removal, offering an ecological advantage by targeting harmful algal blooms.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Aquatic Ecology
- Microplastic Pollution
Background:
- Algal blooms pose ecological risks to freshwater systems.
- Microplastic contamination is a growing concern in aquatic environments.
- The relationship between algae and microplastic entrainment in rivers is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a novel boat skimmer in removing river algae.
- To quantify the concentration of microplastics entrained within removed algae.
- To evaluate the potential of algae skimming as a method for microplastic removal from freshwater.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel boat design for skimming algae from river water.
- Quantified microplastic concentration in collected algae (microplastics per kg).
- Calculated microplastic concentration in skimmed water (microplastics per cubic meter).
- Analyzed adjacent open river water for comparative microplastic concentration.
Main Results:
- Removed algae contained an estimated 55.33 microplastics per kg.
- Microplastic concentration in skimmed water was 1.8 microplastics per cubic meter.
- Adjacent open river water had a microplastic concentration of 0.10 microplastics per cubic meter.
- Algae removal significantly reduced microplastic load in the water column.
Conclusions:
- Removing river algae via skimming effectively removes entrained microplastics.
- This dual-benefit approach addresses both algal blooms and microplastic pollution.
- The study provides one of the first quantitative assessments of microplastics in skimmed river algae.
- Findings support further validation and integration into environmental monitoring and citizen science.
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