Occurrence, abundance and distribution of microplastics in alpine environments of Washington’s National Parks
Project ID: P21AC11511
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Western Washington University
Fiscal Year: 2021
Initial Funding: $13,427
Total Funding: $13,427
Project Type: Research
Project Disciplines: Biological
National Park: North Coast and Cascades Network Inventory & Monitoring
Principal Investigator: Sofield, Ruth
Agreement Technical Representative: Lofgren, Rebecca
Abstract:
This project will provide new information on the quantity, distribution and fate of microplastics in Pacific Northwest alpine environments. Thereby providing baseline data on an emergent issue and helping to define the extent of the problem. The project provides educational and employment opportunities for students to analyze snow, lake water and lake sediment for microplastics, learning lab analysis techniques and to participate in the data reporting process. Project results will provide information needed to protect and conserve resources, evaluate current policies and educate students in conservation management issues and monitoring methodologies. Project results will be provided on a publicly available NPS web site.
Performance Goals – Microplastics have been widely observed in marine and lowland terrestrial environments for decades. However, few studies have focused on the occurrence, deposition and fate of microplastics in remote alpine environments. A recent pilot study in North Cascades National Park (NOCA) found high concentrations of microplastics in the winter snowpack, with concentrations 3-4 orders of magnitude greater than concentrations typically found in US rivers.
Atmospheric deposition is likely the primary contaminant pathway in mountainous regions. Once in the environment, microplastics can accumulate and become available for biological uptake. Western Washington University (WWU) has observed the presence of ingested microplastics in aquatic invertebrates and fish collected within the park. Studies have shown harmful effects to biota related to ingestion of microplastics. Our goal is to better understand the total contaminant load in winter snowpack and the occurrence and abundance in alpine lake sediments of Washington’s national parks.