Scientists analyzing sediment from Pennsylvania rivers, creeks, and lakes discovered microplastics dating back to the 1950s, revealing a long history of plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.
Kiley Bense reports for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Researchers at Penn State found increasing levels of microplastics in sediment samples from four Pennsylvania watersheds, including an urban wildlife refuge and a rural reservoir.
- Microplastics, which can carry toxic chemicals, accumulate in freshwater environments and enter the food chain, potentially harming fish and other wildlife.
- Volunteers at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge conduct regular plastic cleanups, but microplastics remain nearly impossible to remove from the environment.
Key quote:
"On one hand it was like, ‘Yes, we’ve got the procedures right, and we have results. We found microplastics. And then on the other hand, it was like, ‘Oh no, we found microplastics where we thought there would be no contamination, this is horrible.'"
— Lisa Emili, associate professor of environmental studies at Penn State Altoona and study co-author
Why this matters:
Microplastics are now found in nearly every environment, from remote lakes to the air we breathe. These tiny plastic particles, shed from larger waste, synthetic fabrics, and personal care products, have been found in marine life, drinking water, and even human organs. Scientists are increasingly concerned about their potential health risks, as microplastics can carry harmful chemicals like endocrine disruptors and heavy metals. While microplastics' long-term effects on human health remain unclear, early research suggests links to inflammation, cellular damage, and fertility issues.
Unlike larger plastic debris, microplastics are nearly impossible to clean up and continue to accumulate in ecosystems, posing a growing environmental and public health threat. Wildlife, including fish and birds, frequently mistake them for food, leading to malnutrition and toxicity. Their presence in the food chain raises concerns about human exposure through seafood and drinking water. As researchers work to understand the full impact of microplastic pollution, it is increasingly clear that these particles are more than just an environmental nuisance — they are a pervasive global issue with potentially far-reaching consequences.
Related: Citizen scientists are seeing an influx of microplastics in the Ohio River
