The small plastic particles that are from larger plastic items are called microplastics. A common form of them are small beads used in sandblasting. They are also used as micro scrubbers for beauty products and body wash products. While these are great benefits, there are risks involved with microplastics.
One of them is they can harm fish populations because they cause many fish to die. They can affect the natural behavior of fish too. As a result, they may not eat or they may not engage in spawning. The reasons why microplastics have such a negative impact on biota aren’t all identified, but the information we have doe suggest they could block the intestines of fish when consumed. They can interrupt the natural function of the brain and the nervous system.
Microplastics are considered an organic pollutant. They can harm aquatic organisms in the same way that heavy metals and other forms of pollution do. An initial study was completed in Edmonton, Alberta by the MacEwan University. This was the inspiration behind SSRWSI requesting funding to research the presence and effects of microplastic in the South Saskatchewan River.
With the MacEwan research, plastics were confirmed in the Edmonton area, in the North Saskatchewan River. This was a successful study, and the next step was to expand it. They wished to explore the natural park ponds, wetlands, and storm water ponds. Dr. Brit Hall from the University of Regina came in to assist. Her knowledge and experience with research on microplastics in Wascana Creek were helpful with this expanded research project.
There haven’t been any other studies noted about the presence of the lack of microplastics in the South Saskatchewan River. This project is exciting because it will give us that information. It will either confirm they are present or confirm they aren’t in those body of water. If there are microplastics confirmed, details about the type and the quantity can be observed and the data collected.
The SSRWSI funding request was approved by the Fish and Wildlife Development and The City of Saskatoon. The study is set to start this summer. It will take time to complete the research and enter all of the data. There are wonderful experts involved with this project, including Dr. Markus Brinkman. He is the Assistant Professor at the School of Environment and Sustainability.
The Safe Drinking Water Foundation has partnered with SSRWSI on this important endeavour. They will assist with education and the threats microplastic pollution can cause for fish and other forms of aquatic life. WHO (World Health Organization) has released a report on microplastics in the water cycle. This report has information about both bottled drinking water and tap water resources. The report includes the possible health risks due to microplastic exposure and how to successfully remove microplastics from waster water and through drinking water treatment options.
The report concludes there isn’t enough data to make definite confirmation about microplastics in drinking water. The WHO encourages advanced quality controlled investigations and studies into the issue of microplastics in the water supply chain. This includes:
- Composition
- Shapes
- Sizes
- Sources of microplastics
- Quantity
WHO feels once this comprehensive analysis is complete, the bigger picture relating to microplastics and water treatment can be identified. It is our goal to complete the microplastic project and gather data we can use to determine if such elements are present in the river. If so, we can encourage policymakers to act so the water quality isn’t compromised.