Microplastics (MPs) are now widespread in soils, freshwaters, and oceans around the world. They may pose threats to ecosystem functions and some organisms. With strategic research in the Saint John River (Wolastoq) watershed funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Atlantic Ecosystems Initiatives program we will address the following knowledge gaps: 1) What are the distributions of MPs in water and sediments, 2) Are aquatic organisms acquiring MPs in or on their tissues, and 3) Do organisms show stress associated with MP exposure? Understanding pathways from land to aquatic systems and food webs are crucial. Freshwater mussels are powerful bioindicators to study MP impacts on the aquatic food web. We will also use a geographic information system (GIS) approach to map MP distributions and land use in the watershed and relate this to organisms at our sampling locations. Collaborator Dr. Dave Lieske will lead the spatial mapping component of the project.

Our findings will be communicated through our diverse partners to the public, managers, and policy makers to facilitate solutions. For project publications, please contact Dr. Josh Kurek.