Microplastics- A not so Micro Problem: Prevalence in A North Caroline Freshwater System

Abstract

While the plastics pollution crisis has remained on the wider global radar, a more recent and seemingly more pervasive type of pollution, known as microplastic pollution, has gained attention by environmentalists. However, there are large gaps in the research of microplastic pollution, especially in freshwater ecosystems. This study seeks to address this gap by investigating the prevalence of microplastics in the Catawba River Basin of North Carolina. The Catawba River Basin is an ideal study location due to its use for recreation, energy, and drinking water for the nearby metropolis of Charlotte, NC. Eighty water samples were collected from five different sites. These sites were characterized by recreated versus non-recreated areas and upstream versus downstream locations. Each sample was vacuum filtered through micron filter paper and then analyzed under a compound microscope for microplastics. Notably, the presence of microplastics in every water sample collected was found. The results showed a 45% increase in prevalence of microplastics in recreated areas compared with less recreated areas, and 25% increase in microplastics downstream of Wastewater Treatment Plants compared with upstream locations. More research is necessary to identify and understand the possible human health and ecological implications of microplastics in the North Carolina area.