DISTRIBUTION OF MICROPLASTICS IN THE CATAWBA RIVER BASIN

The Catawba River Basin, located in North and South Carolina, is a vital urban waterway. The purpose of this study is to identify the presence of microplastics in the Catawba River Basin, as well as potential sources of microplastics and geomorphological and anthropogenic factors that influence their accumulation. We found that microplastics are prevalent throughout the Catawba and its three largest tributaries, with fibers being the most common type. While our findings on the relationship between various geomorphological and anthropogenic factors such as location, depth, and urban development and microplastic concentration were inconclusive, this study emphasizes the importance of standardizing sampling methods for the study of microplastics in freshwater systems, as well as outlining paths for future research in the Catawba River Basin.