Kiera Jefferson
Michigan is facing a pollution problem in the form of tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, which are polluting the Great Lakes. These microplastics are less than 5mm in size and are often formed when larger plastic objects break down. They have been found in the lakes, oceans, tap and bottled water, sea salt, and other products that are consumed. The pollution is so widespread that plastic compounds have been detected in human breast milk and blood. To tackle this issue, researchers are studying the effects of microplastics on humans and wildlife, while policymakers are taking steps to address the problem. Additionally, Michigan Sea Grant promotes knowledge of the Great Lakes through research, outreach, and education. Local governments are also proposing bills to ban plastic bags and products containing plastic microbeads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How was the pollution of tiny plastic stopped in Michigan | The City of Grand Rapids separated sanitary sewer pipes from storm sewer pipes, a project that lasted from 1991 to 2015 and cost $400 million. This stopped the annual flow of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Grand River and, ultimately, Lake Michigan. |
| In 2022, Canada prohibited the manufacture, import, sale, and export of many types of single-use plastic items. | |
| Illinois became the first state to ban the sale of personal care products containing microbeads. | |
| Businesses in Chicago and Put-in-Bay, Ohio, are voluntarily phasing out straws and reducing single-use plastics. | |
| The United Nations Environment Assembly agreed to formal negotiations on a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution, with the goal of concluding negotiations by the end of 2024. | |
| Michigan Sea Grant promotes knowledge of the Great Lakes through research, outreach, and education. | |
| UMBS instructor-initiated Douglas Lake-based project to explore weathering and microbial dynamics of plastics in Michigan waters. |
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What You'll Learn
Microplastics in drinking water
The Great Lakes, comprising Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, provide drinking water for approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada. However, these lakes have become a hotspot for microplastic pollution. Research has revealed that microplastics are ubiquitous in the Great Lakes, with larger amounts found near urban and nearshore areas, especially where rivers, stormwater, and wastewater discharge.
The sources of microplastics in drinking water are varied. They can be intentionally manufactured, such as microbeads used in personal care products, or they can result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. Single-use plastic items, such as disposable water bottles, and everyday products like polyester clothing, release microplastics into the water with every wash. Even car tires contribute to the problem, emitting plastic dust as they wear against road surfaces.
The presence of microplastics in drinking water poses potential risks to human health and the environment. Lab studies indicate that microplastics can impact the health and development of animals that ingest them, including delaying developmental stages and causing reproductive issues. Additionally, microplastics in water can attract and carry pollutants, including toxic chemicals and bacteria. This contamination has already been detected in human breast milk and blood, with estimates suggesting that individuals may ingest a credit card-sized amount of plastic each week.
Addressing the issue of microplastics in drinking water requires a multi-pronged approach. At the legislative level, there have been efforts to ban the use of microbeads in personal care products, with Illinois leading the way. Local governments are also pushing for measures to reduce single-use plastic waste, such as banning plastic bags. However, implementing these measures has faced challenges due to industry lobbyists. Beyond legislation, individual actions, such as recycling, reducing plastic use, and participating in beach cleanups, can collectively make a significant difference in mitigating microplastic pollution.
In Michigan, the issue of microplastics in drinking water has spurred research initiatives like the Douglas Lake-based project led by UMBS instructor Duhaime. This project focuses on studying the interplay between microbes and plastic pollution, with the hope of harnessing the natural abilities of microorganisms to remediate polluted waters.
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Microplastics in food
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are typically considered to be less than 5mm in size. They have been found in the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water for 40 million people. They have also been found in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, and beer.
Microplastics can enter the food supply, primarily through environmental contamination. They have been found in a variety of foods, including salt, seafood, sugar, beer, bottled water, honey, milk, and tea. However, the current scientific consensus is that the levels of microplastics detected in food do not pose a risk to human health. The FDA continues to monitor research on microplastics in food and will take regulatory action if they are found to be harmful.
Microplastics can be created when larger plastic items break down or can be manufactured, such as microbeads and pellets. Single-use plastics are a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes. In Michigan, single-use plastic bags and plastic water bottles are common sources of microplastics. Additionally, agricultural practices, such as the use of plastic mulches and irrigation pipes, can generate microplastics that contaminate the soil and water used for agriculture.
To address microplastic pollution in Michigan, collaborative strategies are being implemented at the regional, national, and international levels. The Michigan agriculture agencies and industrial agricultural operations are working on precautionary microplastic management to create proactive best management practices. This includes reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increasing public awareness, and promoting organic mulching materials instead of plastic mulches.
At the national level, the United States Marine Debris Act (2006) and Save Our Seas Acts (2018 and 2020) prioritize the prevention, research, assessment, and removal of marine debris, including microplastics. Additionally, the City of Grand Rapids separated its sanitary sewer pipes from storm sewer pipes, a project that cost $400 million and stopped the flow of raw sewage into the Grand River and Lake Michigan.
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Microplastics in the Great Lakes
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5mm in size, that have been found in the Great Lakes. These lakes provide drinking water for 40 million people, and microplastics have been detected in their tap and bottled water. The pollution poses a serious threat to the environment and could potentially harm public health.
The Great Lakes are polluted with alarming amounts of microplastics. A recent study from the University of Toronto found that 90% of water samples taken from the Great Lakes over the past 10 years are contaminated with microplastics at levels that are unsafe for wildlife. Modelling studies have estimated that approximately 10,000 metric tons of plastics enter the Great Lakes every year. Larger amounts of microplastics are found close to urban and nearshore areas, particularly near locations where rivers, stormwater, and wastewater discharge.
Microplastics can be created when larger plastic items break up, or they can be manufactured, as in microbeads and pellets. They have been found in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, beer, and even in sea salt and other products we eat and drink. Microplastics have also been detected in human blood, organs, and breast milk. The health impacts of microplastics on humans are currently unknown, but their harm to wildlife has been well-documented. Studies have shown that animals that have come into contact with microplastics may experience developmental delays, reduced mental processing, infertility, and a weakened immune system.
There have been efforts to combat the problem of microplastics in the Great Lakes. In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed to negotiate a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. The same year, Canada prohibited the manufacture, import, sale, and export of many types of single-use plastic items. At a local level, businesses are becoming more aware of the issue, with restaurants in Chicago and Put-in-Bay, Ohio, voluntarily phasing out straws and single-use plastics. Additionally, the City of Grand Rapids has separated its sanitary sewer pipes from storm sewer pipes, a project that cost $400 million and stopped the annual flow of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the Grand River and Lake Michigan.
While these efforts are a step in the right direction, more systemic solutions are needed to address the magnitude of the Great Lakes' plastic problem.
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Microplastics in the human body
Microplastics are a class of non-degradable pollutants that are a global concern. They are found in the environment and can inevitably be transferred to the human body.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, often measuring less than 5mm, that are created when larger plastic items break up, or they can be manufactured, like microbeads. They are found in oceans, tap and bottled water, sea salt, food, and other products. They can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
In Michigan, microplastics have been found in the Great Lakes, which are a source of drinking water for 40 million people. They have also been detected in Great Lakes fish, drinking water, bottled water, and beer. Microplastics can absorb and accumulate environmental contaminants and act as vectors of bodily contaminants. Studies have shown that microplastics contain toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and BPA, which are linked to health issues including cancer, developmental and reproductive problems.
Recent studies have linked microplastics to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes. They can impact the respiratory system, with small particles reaching deep into the lungs and causing oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which contribute to lung diseases.
While the exact entry routes and health effects of microplastics in the human body are still being researched, there are ways to reduce exposure, such as using refillable water bottles, avoiding plastic products, and regularly dusting and vacuuming to reduce microplastic fibers in the air.
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Legislation to ban microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic pieces, usually smaller than 5mm, that are often formed when larger plastic objects break down. They can also be manufactured, as in the case of microbeads and pellets. These microplastics have been found in the Great Lakes, which provide drinking water for 40 million people in the US and Canada. The presence of microplastics in these water bodies has raised concerns about their potential impact on human health and the environment.
To address this issue, there have been legislative efforts to ban microplastics and reduce plastic pollution in Michigan. For instance, Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, has introduced a bill to ban the sale of over-the-counter drugs containing intentionally added plastic microbeads. Sen. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, has also proposed legislation that would allow local governments to prohibit plastic bags, a significant source of plastic waste. However, these efforts have faced challenges due to industry lobbyists and a Republican-controlled legislature.
At the local level, businesses and communities are taking initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and prevent plastic waste from becoming marine debris. Restaurants in Chicago and Put-in-Bay, Ohio, for example, are voluntarily phasing out straws and single-use plastics. Additionally, Michigan Sea Grant, a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, promotes knowledge of the Great Lakes through research, outreach, and education.
On a broader scale, the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed in March 2022 to negotiate a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution by 2024. Canada also took action by prohibiting the manufacture, import, sale, and eventual export of various single-use plastic products. These collective efforts demonstrate a growing recognition of the need to address microplastic pollution and its potential impacts on human health and the environment.
To effectively combat microplastic pollution in Michigan and beyond, a combination of legislative action, community initiatives, and scientific research is essential. By working together and implementing sustainable practices, we can protect our water sources, ecosystems, and public health from the harmful effects of microplastics.
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