The potential storage of microplastics in lacustrine environments

Microplastics are a growing concern in surface water due to their negative effects on the environment and human health. This research is studying the fate of microplastics in lacustrine environments and the potential of lakes to store microplastics. I sampled the input and output of two New Jersey local lakes, the Boonton Reservoir and Lake Valhalla. I collected water samples near the input and output of both lakes. The water samples were brought back to the lab and filtered through a 0.45µm cellulose filter. The filters were then analyzed using a microscope and the microplastics were counted. By having a quantitative measurement of the amount of microplastics at both the input and output, it can be determined if there is a trend that lakes either store or release microplastics into the environment. Initial results suggest that lakes release microplastics rather than store them. The secondary objective is to make a comprehensive set of instructions on how to perform the filtration. Microplastics are of growing interest in the scientific community, so by having a set of instructions on how to perform the filtration, future students will be able to conduct further studies in microplastics.