Microfibers in the Great Lakes: a prominent contaminant in fish

Session: 46. - Plastics in the Great Lakes: Characterizing the Problem and Finding Solutions

Lisa Erdle, University of Toronto, [email protected]
Miriam Diamond, Dept. of Geography, University of Toronto, [email protected]
Paul Helm, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
David Poirier, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Amila De Silva, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Liisa Jantunen, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Daryl McGoldrick, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Michael Arts, Ryerson University, [email protected]

Abstract

Microfibers make up a large component of microplastic debris found in the environment – especially around urban areas – and are likely found in combination with chemical contaminants. Some chemicals are added intentionally during synthetic textile manufacturing (e.g., perfluoroalkylated substances) and others accumulate on textiles from indoor air and dust (e.g., flame retardants). Once microfibers enter the aquatic environment, they may accumulate other chemicals from ambient water. While contaminants are known to enter urban waters from sources such as runoff, effluent and atmospheric deposition, and contaminate biota including invertebrates, fish and other wildlife, many questions remain regarding the sources, fate and biological impacts of microfibers and associated chemicals. To measure the extent that this mixture contaminates fish in the Great Lakes, and to examine the relationship between microfibers and these contaminants, we are quantifying microplastics and chemicals in two trophic levels of fish. We sampled 80 fish from Lakes Huron and Ontario, nearby and at a distance from population centres. We will quantify microfibers in fish and examine their correlation with chemicals. These results will be presented as some initial work done in a collaborative effort between agencies to investigate sources, sinks and effects of microfibers in the Great Lakes.

1. Keyword
Lake Ontario

2. Keyword
Lake Huron

3. Keyword
chemical analysis

4. Additional Keyword
fish

5. Additional Keyword
trophic transfer