By Abigail Kelly
The Great Lakes function as a critical resource for Michigan, providing drinking water, supporting local ecosystems, and supporting recreational activities like fishing and boating. This contributes to Michigan's thriving tourism and outdoor recreation industry. Beyond their economic importance, the Great Lakes host rich ecosystems that sustain a variety of wildlife. However, the Great Lakes face a severe threat from an invisible and growing menace—microplastics.
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, generally less than 5 millimeters in size, that come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, like synthetic fibers from certain clothing fabrics. Microplastics are also manufactured for use in things like exfoliating scrubs and cosmetic products. They can enter the environment through stormwater runoff, plastic litter degradation, or even through wastewater from washing clothes. Once these plastics enter water systems, they are incredibly difficult to remove, and they never fully degrade.
Microplastics have been found in every one of the Great Lakes, as well as numerous inland lakes in the region. A University of Toronto study revealed that 90% of water samples from the Great Lakes contain unsafe levels of microplastics. The presence of microplastics poses significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. In aquatic environments, these tiny particles can be ingested by fish, birds, and other wildlife, often with deadly consequences. Microplastics can accumulate in animals raised as livestock and in fisheries, eventually reaching our food and drinking water. Research also indicates that microplastics carry toxic chemicals, posing a risk to human and animal health. According to the NIH, microplastics can cause physical damage to tissues and can leach harmful chemicals. In the Great Lakes, these contaminants have already been linked to negative impacts on aquatic life, affecting species that are crucial to both the environment and the economy.
Several initiatives have been launched to combat microplastic pollution. Illinois was the first state to ban microbeads in cosmetic products, a significant step in reducing one major source of microplastics in water systems. Cities like Chicago have implemented storm drain filtration systems, and legislators are working on bills that would require filters in washing machines to capture plastic microfibers. Despite these efforts, much more remains to be done.
Currently, projects are underway to develop technologies that intercept plastics before they reach our Great Lakes. While important steps have been taken, we must continue to push for more comprehensive solutions. Stronger regulations on plastic production, enhanced filtration technology, and increased public awareness are all vital to reducing microplastic pollution in our water. We must confront the growing microplastic crisis with urgency, not only to preserve the Great Lakes for future generations but to protect the health of all who rely on this vital freshwater resource.