Distribution and Transport of Microplastic and Fine Particulate Organic Matter in Urban Streams

A century of museum specimens reveal increasing microplastic concentrations in freshwater fish. Analysis of microplastics and fine particulate organic matter movement in urban streams suggests rivers are less retentive of microplastics than FPOM, but both particles are retained in similar locations.

Due to slow degradation, individual plastic particles can be transported longer distances prior to mineralization than FPOM, making it likely that microplastic particles will encounter larger bodies of water and interact with various aquatic biota in the process.