11 Jun 2025

A Bellwether for Microplastic in Wetland Catchments in the Great Lakes Region

Abstract: This study is intended as a bellwether for the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in Great Lakes wetlands. In 2020, sediment, surface water, and atmospheric deposition samples were collected from wetland catchments in or near five National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Great Lakes region: Horicon-WI, Seney-MI, Shiawassee-MI, Ottawa- OH, and Montezuma-NY. Sediment and surface water samples were taken from river, stream, and canal inflows and outflows to and from wetland areas. Atmospheric deposition samples were collected in carboys placed near established rain gauges. These sample sites were chosen as indicators of MP deposition into and out of the region’s wetland systems. MPs were extracted from each sample, enumerated, and categorized by particle morphology and polymer type. Average MP particle abundances in the sediment and surface water samples ranged from 344 to 538 particles kg⁻¹ (dry weight) and 2–68 particles m⁻³, respectively. Atmospheric MP deposition ranged from 5.8 to 22.6 particles m⁻² d⁻¹. Fibers were the most abundant MP particle type found in each sample type (sediment, surface water, and atmospheric deposition), followed by fragments. These results suggest that input and retention of MPs are pervasive in the Great Lakes region and surrounding wetland areas.