Understanding microplastic pollution on shorelines with citizens and technology
Presentation Abstract
Plastic pollution is a rapidly growing problem, that requires both data and engagement of the public to address effectively. Everyday people can help scientists improve the scale and pace at which microplastics data is gathered. The understanding of smaller microplastics is very limited because citizen science programs have often targeted the larger particles on beaches. In partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada, a pilot study involving 50 volunteers was conducted to improve knowledge on microplastic debris contamination on shorelines and to develop tools for standardized particle analysis by citizen science programs. Over six months, volunteers collected monthly samples of visible microplastics (0.5 mm to 5 mm) in sand, seawater and stormwater (down to 60 µm) at ten different beach sites across the Greater Victoria Region (British Columbia, Canada). Water samples were collected using newly developed sampling kits designed to prevent contamination, to isolate microplastics for analysis in the lab. Quantification and morphological properties of visible microplastics were obtained using an AI-powered imaging technology coupled to Raman spectroscopy analysis to identify material polymer and inform on putative sources. The collected data sheds light on the seasonal variation and inter-site variability of microplastics and the role of various factors such as recreational shoreline use, influences of urban discharge, beach morphology, and hydrological conditions in microplastic shoreline contamination. The use of the standardized imaging technology enabled high-throughput physical analysis resulting in robust and consistent data collection. The results of this study will be used to raise awareness about microplastic pollution in Canada via a digital campaign, and to inspire citizens to participate in data collection programs and solutions to plastic pollution.
Session Title
Collaboration and Community Science
Conference Track
SSE6: Human-Nature Systems
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2022 : Online)
Document Type
Event
SSEC Identifier
SSE-traditionals-404
Start Date
28-4-2022 10:15 AM
End Date
28-4-2022 11:45 AM
Type of Presentation
Oral
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Microplastics--Environmental aspects; Microplastics--Toxicology
Geographic Coverage
Vancouver Island (B.C.); Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Understanding microplastic pollution on shorelines with citizens and technology
Plastic pollution is a rapidly growing problem, that requires both data and engagement of the public to address effectively. Everyday people can help scientists improve the scale and pace at which microplastics data is gathered. The understanding of smaller microplastics is very limited because citizen science programs have often targeted the larger particles on beaches. In partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada, a pilot study involving 50 volunteers was conducted to improve knowledge on microplastic debris contamination on shorelines and to develop tools for standardized particle analysis by citizen science programs. Over six months, volunteers collected monthly samples of visible microplastics (0.5 mm to 5 mm) in sand, seawater and stormwater (down to 60 µm) at ten different beach sites across the Greater Victoria Region (British Columbia, Canada). Water samples were collected using newly developed sampling kits designed to prevent contamination, to isolate microplastics for analysis in the lab. Quantification and morphological properties of visible microplastics were obtained using an AI-powered imaging technology coupled to Raman spectroscopy analysis to identify material polymer and inform on putative sources. The collected data sheds light on the seasonal variation and inter-site variability of microplastics and the role of various factors such as recreational shoreline use, influences of urban discharge, beach morphology, and hydrological conditions in microplastic shoreline contamination. The use of the standardized imaging technology enabled high-throughput physical analysis resulting in robust and consistent data collection. The results of this study will be used to raise awareness about microplastic pollution in Canada via a digital campaign, and to inspire citizens to participate in data collection programs and solutions to plastic pollution.
