Southcentral Alaska's Water and Microplastics: A Survey of Water Bodies in Southcentral Alaska

Authors: Chapman, Dyani Alaska Environment Research & Policy Center; Gross, Joi University of Alaska Juneau

Video Presentation

Abstract

Our waterways are a prime location to test for microplastics. Alaska's watersheds are largely geographically isolated, with the exception of parts of Southeast which are downstream of Canada. They provide drinking water, habitat for aquatic life, and are both economically and culturally vital to the state. Southcentral Alaska is home to less than half a million people (the majority of the state's population) and hosts a little under two million visitors annually. Microplastic testing in Southcentral Alaska provides additional insight into atmospheric redistribution of microplastics, key fishery exposure, and local information about drinking water. To better understand the scope of the microplastic problem in Alaska, Alaska Environment Research and Policy Center staff and volunteers sampled 39 water bodies in Southcentral Alaska. We found microplastics in 100% of our samples. Our project took samples from waterways between June and September 0f 2023 and tested them for four types of microplastic pollution:

- Fibers: primarily from clothing, textiles, and fishing line;

- Film: primarily from bags and flexible plastic packaging;

- Fragments: primarily from harder plastics or plastic feedstock;

- Beads: primarily from facial scrubs and other cosmetic products.

Microfibers were by far the most prevalent microplastic found in samples, and were found in 100% of samples. Micro fragments and films showed up in fewer locations, but were present in 20.5% and 33.3% respectively. Alaskans and tourists are almost certainly responsible for some of the microplastic pollution, but distribution patterns indicate some of the microplastic pollution is being swept in from other places as well. It's clear that the scope of plastic pollution in Southcentral Alaska is extensive. In order to address the environmental and waste crisis being caused by our overreliance on plastics, our leaders at the federal, state, local, and corporate levels should implement policies that will address this problem.

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