Date Approved
2021
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Biology
Committee Member
Kristin Judd, Biology
Committee Member
Steven Francoeur, Biology
Committee Member
Daniel Clemans, Biology
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global issue affecting the health and stability of freshwater and marine environments. Microplastics can be introduced into waterways from a variety of sources, such as agricultural runoff, anthropogenic litter, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To determine whether WWTPs are a source of microplastics to the Lower Rouge and Huron Rivers, we measured microplastic load upstream and downstream of two Southeast Michigan wastewater treatment plants: the Ann Arbor Wastewater Treatment Plant and Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority (YCUA). Results from this study indicated that YCUA, which discharges into a small stream with limited watershed inputs, is a significant source of microplastic pollution. The Ann Arbor WWTP, which discharges into the much larger Huron River, was not a detectable source. Instead, the positive relationship between river discharge and microplastic load suggests that watershed sources may be more important to total microplastic load, especially in larger rivers.
Recommended Citation
Troost, Jennifer, "Southeast Michigan wastewater treatment plants as potential sources of microplastic pollution in the Rouge River and Huron River" (2021). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 1119.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/1119