Pollution of the Great Lakes

 

Recently, there have been reports of small particles of plastic found in the lakes. The reason why they were undiscovered to this day was because they were tiny; a fraction of a millimeter in diameter. These fragments, called microbeads, were mostly found on petroluem-based textiles: nylon, polyester, and other synthetic clothing. When people wash their clothing, some of these particles will go down the drain to the wastewater treatment facility and end up in the lakes. In 2013, researchers strain the water using fine mesh nets. They have found more than 19,000 strands per square kilometer.

 

Further studies revealed that the plastic can also absorb chemicals and bacteria. Fish that eat these microfibers have increased chances of being harmed by these chemicals. Currently, there is no research conducted to determine if these microfibers are contaminating the tap water. With the recently discovered chemicals in the lakes, researchers are worried about the possible contamination of the drinking water for more than 40 million people.