Microplastics in Fish: A comparison of Microplastic Ingestion in Two Great Lakes

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

Keenan Munno, University of Toronto, [email protected]
Paul Helm, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Don Jackson, University of Toronto, [email protected]
Chelsea Rochman, University of Toronto, [email protected]
Satyendra Bhavsar, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Steve Petro, MOECC, [email protected]

Abstract

Microplastics (<5 mm) come from sources including industry, consumer products and the breakdown of plastic debris, with greater abundances found near urban centres. Fish were collected from nearshore Lake Ontario near Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario. The fish included several species varying in size, feeding strategy (benthic and pelagic) and trophic level. Fish were collected from Lake Superior, another Great Lake with presumably fewer inputs of microplastics and less populated surroundings. Abundance and type of microplastics contained in fish were determined. Preliminary results show that Lake Ontario fish (~51 particles/fish on average) have a greater abundance of microplastics in their digestive tracts than fish collected in Lake Superior (~26 particles/fish). A greater variation in particle type was found in Lake Ontario, suggesting variation in potential sources. Lake Superior fish contained mostly fibres. Particle abundances and character will be compared to determine whether certain shapes are more prevalent in fish digestive tracts relative to the surrounding environment, and which sources may contribute most to abundances in fish.  This study provides an indication of the role of surrounding inputs and human populations in the exposure of fish to microplastics.  These results will inform management decisions and policy development to address microplastics.

1. Keyword
microplastics

2. Keyword
Lake Ontario

3. Keyword
Lake Superior

4. Additional Keyword
ingestion