The massive amount of plastic waste in bodies worldwide is well documented and most plastics are known to fragment into smaller pieces over time. The magnitude of the macro, micro and/or nano-plastic contamination in surface waters depends upon major pollution sources and outputs, distance from sources, water movement and numerous other factors. Once the pollutants enter the water, chemical changes, or weathering, take place that modify the polymers, the extent of which depends on the environment, type of transport and more. These particulate pollutants invade ecosystems, adsorb compounds and biofilms and potentially release additives and scission products. Given the continuous and increasing input of microplastics (MP) in the environment, there is an emerging need for remediation of surface waters contaminated with microplastics. In this study, water and sediment samples were retrieved from a freshwater marsh and its adjoining lake that are contaminated with plastic shavings released from a company located adjacent to the marsh. The company manufactures polyethylene (PE) portable toilets and creates PE waste, mostly microplastics, which regularly wash into the local marsh and lake during and after rain events. The current method of remediation for the contaminated site by the city consists of oil booms, most of which are degrading and not monitored. Laboratory analyses of the water-sediment mixtures and water indicate a pollution load of over 1000 MP/300 mL and over 2000 MP/300 mL, respectively. The results of follow-up sampling to assess the pollution load and likelihood of additional discharges will be presented. Laboratory experiments were also conducted to investigate methods for remediation of highly contaminated waters and demonstrated a potential process to remove the PE microplastics. This simple lab scale procedure shows promise as a means to clean surface waters highly contaminated with microplastics. This contamination site is a sign that treatment solutions, along with regulations and enforcements, are needed to protect surface waters.

Microplastics in surface waters: A study of a polluted freshwater marsh and potential means for remediation

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.