The Not So Secret World of Microplastics in the Great Lakes | North Coast Chronicles

September 22, 2023

Microplastics in the Great Lakes Watershed!

We shouldn't be surprised that plastics make their way into the Great Lakes.  But, did you know that about 22 million pounds of plastic get into the Great Lakes each year?  A study by the University of Toronto found that 90% of Great Lakes water samples over the last 10 years have unsafe microplastic levels. On the September episode of North Coast Chronicles: Tales from the Great Lakes, we share that in a study of microplastics on 37 National Park beaches, microfibers were found at every site and made up 97% of the microplastic debris. But, the highest concentration of microplastics in this national study was found at the Apostle Islands National Seashore in Wisconsin!  Andrea Densham, sustainability expert with the Alliance for Great Lakes joins us to explain the sources of these toxic microplastics, the impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem, and ways to address the crisis.  

Show Transcription
This transcription was generated by a computer. Please excuse any errors.
Helen Brohl

Helen Brohl is a Great Lakes gal, having grown up on the south shore of Lake Erie and a lifetime of summers on Middle Bass Island. Helen understands the Great Lakes as a valuable resource with a Master's Degree from The Ohio State University in Great Lakes Land and Water Use Policy and as an economic engine for the nation with almost 40 years of experience in maritime transportation and trade development. Helen previously worked as professional staff on the U.S. Congressional House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee, with NOAA's Office of Coast Management, did trade development for the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, was the Director of Marketing for the Port of Chicago, the Executive Director of the U.S. Great Lakes Shipping Association, and retired in January 2023 after almost 17 years as the Executive Director of the U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System in Washington, DC. Follow along as Helen shares the nature, folk lore, and charm of the Great Lakes!