Great Lakes algae is catching huge amounts of microplastics.
Researchers found that one type of algae, which has greatly expanded its range within the Great Lakes and is one of the most abundant algae by weight there, could catch up to one trillion pieces of microplastic in the Great Lakes.
"It's just a massive amount of these microscopic particle pollutants that are now part of our environment," Julie Peller, a professor of chemistry at Valparaiso University whose recent research revealed the microplastics-algae dynamic, told EHN.
Peller and colleagues say the study may offer insight into how we can stop the microplastic pollution—any plastic debris less than five millimeters long—from getting into the lakes. However, in the meantime, algae are often used as shelter for freshwater species at the bottom of the food chain, so the findings suggest that these microplastic hiding spots could be contaminating Great Lakes fish—and the people that eat them. Read more
Yes, this is a terrible problem in all lakes. The five Great Lakes in the United states has recognized and doesn't know how to deal with it. For example, in Lake Erie, each summer there is a prohibition against eating fish or swimming because of contamination, which is worst in the SW part of the Lake. These dangerous algae are caused by too much nitrogen in the water due to cattle and fertilizer waste being swept into the lakes through rain and runoff. We are poisoning our water everywhere! I applaud you for taking steps to clean the lakes, rivers and oceans. Thank you so much! Blessings and prayers for your continued success personally and also Saving The World!