Microplastics Found in 100% of Sample Sites in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
A report released today by the non-profit organization Environment America studied the presence of microplastics throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed, from the headwaters in New York, through Pennsylvania and Maryland to the mouth of the bay in Virginia. The report found microplastics present at every single sample location, and specific microparticles from clothing and hard plastics at nearly every location.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. They are often separated from larger plastic waste that has broken down in the environment or released directly as part of other product formulas. These particles can degrade both the ecosystems they enter, as well as our own bodies, leaching harmful toxins and damaging DNA.
Certain branches of the Susquehanna River, a major tributary of the bay, contained all four types of microplastics.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Pennsylvania Director of Science Policy and Advocacy Harry Campbell issued the following statement:
“This study found microplastics in every Pennsylvania waterway examined. That’s a clear indication of a problem that demands action. Even as researchers continue to study the full impacts of microplastic contamination on ecosystems and human health, state lawmakers can take meaningful steps to reduce plastic pollution at its source and keep it out of the rivers, streams, and drinking water resources that millions of Pennsylvanians rely on.”
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland Science Manager Gussie Maguire issued the following statement:
“Microplastics are bad news for the Chesapeake Bay. Sadly, this study demonstrates what many of us already suspected: there is too much plastic in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. That includes visible garbage floating in our tributaries and washed up on our beaches, as well as the tiny specks of microplastics in the Bay and in our bodies that we don’t even see. Maryland must take action to meaningfully reduce the amount of plastic we use to address this issue, and can start by limiting single-use plastics, investing in programs that reduce litter, and remembering that ‘reduce’ and ‘reuse’ intentionally come before ‘recycle.’”
