An affordable methodology for quantifying waterborne microplastics - an emerging contaminant in inland-waters
- Dunn, C
- Owens, J
- Fears, L
- Nunnerley, L
- Kirby, J
- Armstrong, OL
- Thomas, PJ
- Aberg, D
- Gilder, W
- Green, D
- Antwis, RE
- Freeman, C
DOIAbstract
The occurrence of microplastics in marine habitats is well documented and of growing concern. The presence of these small (<5 mm) pieces of plastic is less well recorded in inland water systems. In this paper, we determine a cost-efficient and straightforward method for the collection and identification of microplastics in UK inland waters. We found pieces of microplastic from all sample sites ranging from over 1000 L-1 in the River Tame, to 2.4 L-1 in Loch Lomond. The presence of microplastics in all waters tested suggest it should now be classed as an emergent contaminant, with routine monitoring required
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