UBIQUITOUS MICROPLASTICS IN FLUVIAL SEDIMENTS OF URBAN STREAM SYSTEMS IN DAVENPORT AND BETTENDORF, IOWA

This research delves into the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution, aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of its occurrence in urban stream sediments. Microplastics are generally defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter. Microplastics can be derived from diverse sources, and once released in the environment they can persist for years, posing potential threats to the ecosystems. Study sites are located within three small urban watersheds in Davenport and Bettendorf, IA: Goose, Pheasant, and Silver Creeks, all tributaries of Duck Creek and the Mississippi River. All sites are in close proximity to urban communities and are home to a diverse assemblage of aquatic organisms. 50 grams of sediment were collected for each sample from sedimentary banks, which were generally sandy and non-vegetated. Samples were processed by sieving, density separation, organic digestion, and vacuum filtration. Nile Red Dye was added to each sample to facilitate the identification and quantification of microplastics. All study sites contained microplastics in the sediments, with microplastic concentrations generally increasing downstream in each system. These findings underscore the need for continued efforts to monitor microplastic pollution in bed load and suspended load sediments and to investigate their potential impacts on ecosystems.