As Great Lakes show, plastic pollution not just an oceanic problem

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Credit Courtesy of Dr. Sherri Mason

The microplasitcs the team found in the Great Lakes were small, measuring between 330 micrometers and 1 millimeter in size.

Scientists have conducted extensive research on the plastic-filled gyres of the ocean. This past summer, however, researchers decided to look inland for the first time and measure plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. Some of the groups' water samples had concentrations of plastic greater than those found anywhere else. The study has resulted in several other projects. Chemistry professor Dr. Sherri Mason discusses the plastic pollution in the basin.

This environmental segment of Current State is supported by Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. For more news on the Great Lakes environment, you can check out GreatLakesEcho.org.