A new study from Portland State University researchers reveals the presence of microplastics in six commercially and culturally important fish species consumed in Oregon. The study, led by Professor Elise Granek, highlights the need for solutions to reduce microfiber pollution entering the environment.
The tiny particles that shed from clothing, packaging and other plastic products are winding up in the fish that people eat, highlighting a need for technologies and strategies to reduce microfiber pollution entering the environment.
Summer Traylor, who graduated in 2022 with a master's in environmental management, led the project with assistance from undergraduate environmental science student Marilyn Duncan, who graduated in 2024. The team set out to fill in gaps about microplastic contamination in Oregon finfish and shellfish and better understand variations across trophic levels, which classify a fish's position in the food chain, and in pathways to consumers.
Among the species sampled, pink shrimp, which filter-feed right below the surface of the water, had the highest concentrations of particles in their edible tissues. Chinook salmon had the lowest concentrations, followed by black rockfish and lingcod. The study results, however, provide evidence of the widespread presence of particles in the edible tissues of Oregon's marine and freshwater species.
"This project established critical baseline data for West Coast fisheries stakeholders and highlighted how much we still do not know about these pervasive microplastic pollutants," said Traylor, who now serves as a NOAA Corps Officer, helping collect baseline microplastic data in the Gulf of Mexico to further expand public knowledge and understanding.
She's leading a $1.9 million NOAA-funded project that is developing and testing washing machine, dishwasher and clothes dryer filters that can serve as cost-effective filtration solutions. In another project funded by Oregon Sea Grant, six catch basin filters will be installed in stormwater drains in two coastal towns to determine their efficacy in trapping microplastics from road runoff before entering waterways. Brander's lab is collaborating on both projects as well.
Microplastics Pollution Environment Food Chain Fish
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oregon Ducks' Ra'Shaad Samples To Leave Oregon For Head Coaching Job?Oregon Ducks running back coach Ra'Shaad Samples is drawing some attention in coaching searches. Most recently, Samples was listed as a finalist for the head coaching job at Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas.
Read more »
Ohio State Crushes Oregon in College Football Playoff SemifinalOhio State overwhelms Oregon in the CFP, raising questions about Oregon's playoff berth.
Read more »
Microplastics Found in Tea Bags: Billions Released Per BrewA new study reveals that popular tea bags release billions of microplastics into hot water, raising concerns about their potential health effects. Researchers simulated brewing tea and found that popular brands released millions of particles per milliliter, including nylon, polypropylene, and cellulose.
Read more »
Tea Bags Found to Release Billions of MicroplasticsA new study reveals the alarming presence of microplastics in tea bags, highlighting the potential health risks associated with their consumption.
Read more »
Oregon has found another way to beat Ohio State this season: Buckeye BreakfastOhio State football's has lost out on its first transfer portal target.
Read more »
Oregon Men Found Dead While Searching for SasquatchTwo Oregon men died in a Washington state forest while searching for Sasquatch. Authorities believe exposure caused their deaths.
Read more »