Translocation of Microplastics in Local Sportfish from Canadian Freshwater Lakes

Session: Poster session

Joel Kim, University of Toronto, [email protected]
Chelsea Rochman, University of Toronto, [email protected]
Paul Helm, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Satyendra Bhavsar, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]

Abstract

In recent years, microplastics (plastics <5 mm in size) have attracted significant public and scientific interest as an emerging contaminant. First Nations communities around Lake Simcoe have also raised concern regarding microplastics, highlighting the need for better understanding of the extent of plastic debris in local sportfish. Ingestion of microplastics by fish in the Great Lakes and other freshwater systems is undoubtedly occurring due to widespread contamination. It is subsequently feasible that the translocation of microplastics from the gut into other parts of the body (e.g. fillets) can occur in fish and may directly impact food security (i.e. access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food). To provide further understanding of the sizes and types of microplastics that can translocate, we are currently designing experiments using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We aim to determine the sizes and types of microplastics that can translocate in these fish by exposing them to a mix of fluorescent microplastics for one week at concentrations ranging from zero to predicted future contamination scenarios. Results to date will be presented.

1. Keyword
microplastics

2. Keyword
First Nations

3. Keyword
Lake Simcoe

4. Additional Keyword
Lake Ontario