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MICROPLASTICS MAPPING IN THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER: A COMMUNITY-ENGAGED RESEARCH PROJECT

Abstract

Plastic production is responsible for ~3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is projected to emit up to 1.34 GT of carbon dioxide per year by 2050. Plastics never decompose; they only break down into smaller microplastics and remain in the environment, posing a significant ecological problem. Microplastics also enter human bodies through the consumption of animal products, causing various health issues. Recent data shows there are 50% more microplastics in human brains now compared to in 2016, and people with dementia have 5-10 times more microplastics in their brains. However, microplastics are not well-studied, one challenge being that it requires large-scale, continuous sampling and analysis. We achieved this through community engaged research, which uses an effective volunteer system. Fourteen teams of volunteers were trained and each took monthly samples from designated sites along the Chattahoochee River, which provides the majority of Atlanta’s drinking water. Then, the water samples were sent to a lab for analysis. Using this data, the first map and database of microplastics distribution in the Chattahoochee was created. Water is collected in a 4-liter stainless steel bucket and immediately filtered through two sieves. Then, the particles are rinsed into glass vials, and hydrogen peroxide is added to get rid of organic particles that could be mistaken for microplastics. The water sample is run through a piece of filter paper in a vacuum; instead of the traditional microscope method, the quantification of microplastics is achieved using a photo taken under UV light by a smartphone. This method is faster and less expensive than using a microscope. The microplastics count is the difference between the number of lit particles in the blank compared to the sample. With this community-engaged sampling system and innovative analysis method, the project demonstrates a replicable and scalable possibility to map microplastics pollution in any body of water.

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