Microplastics in Boise River Basin
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Rachel Headley (Mentor), College of Idaho
Abstract
Microplastics (i.e. plastic particles < 5 mm) are a pollutant of rapidly growing environmental scrutiny. Microplastics come from the disposal and breakdown of plastic goods, enter our environment in various ways, and have a lasting presence. We used a dip sampling method to assess microplastics in our freshwater locations. Water quality parameters such as pH, nitrogen, temperature, and turbidity were also measured to analyze correlations. Field sampling locations included the Boise River and its tributaries, Indian Creek and Dry Creek. After collection, samples were vacuum filtered through cellulose filters (0.7µm), dried in a laboratory, then counted under a microscope at 40x magnification and categorized into four groups: fibers, films, fragments, and beads. The results showed that all field sampling locations along the Idaho Boise River Basin contained microplastics, with an average concentration of 133 MP/L, and the most prolific category was fibers. Of the drainage locations sampled, Indian Creek had the highest concentration of microplastics as well as the lowest overall water quality. In order to preserve the quality of our fresh waterways, the Boise River Basin requires more research on the transportation and degradation of its microplastic pollutants.
Microplastics in Boise River Basin
Microplastics (i.e. plastic particles < 5 mm) are a pollutant of rapidly growing environmental scrutiny. Microplastics come from the disposal and breakdown of plastic goods, enter our environment in various ways, and have a lasting presence. We used a dip sampling method to assess microplastics in our freshwater locations. Water quality parameters such as pH, nitrogen, temperature, and turbidity were also measured to analyze correlations. Field sampling locations included the Boise River and its tributaries, Indian Creek and Dry Creek. After collection, samples were vacuum filtered through cellulose filters (0.7µm), dried in a laboratory, then counted under a microscope at 40x magnification and categorized into four groups: fibers, films, fragments, and beads. The results showed that all field sampling locations along the Idaho Boise River Basin contained microplastics, with an average concentration of 133 MP/L, and the most prolific category was fibers. Of the drainage locations sampled, Indian Creek had the highest concentration of microplastics as well as the lowest overall water quality. In order to preserve the quality of our fresh waterways, the Boise River Basin requires more research on the transportation and degradation of its microplastic pollutants.