Report Finds Minnesota Lakes Aren’t Shielded From Microplastics

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection ) – When measuring public health threats, researchers say microplastics have jumped to the top of the list.

New samples from a citizen science effort in Minnesota show these tiny particles are present in dozens of waterways. The advocacy group Environment Minnesota, part of the Public Interest Network, teamed up with volunteers to collect samples from 41 lakes, rivers, and streams. All but one were analyzed, with detections confirmed across the board.

Scientists are learning more about how the fragments, from larger plastic items which break down over time, enter the environment and what the health risks are.

Katelynn Rolfes, conservation advocate for Environment Minnesota, said the study’s results make it clear freshwater sources are not immune.