After spending months analyzing water samples from 18 lakes in Haliburton County, student researcher Jacob Wyonch says he’s just scratching the surface on data he hopes will one day accurately portray the prevalence of microplastics in our waters.
In his first year of Trent University’s masters in environmental and life sciences graduate program, Wyonch has partnered with U-Links on the multi-year project. So far, he’s tested samples from spring and fall in 2022 and 2023, though plans to run data from the two seasons through to 2026.
An update on Wyonch’s progress will be shared at U-Links celebration of research, taking place March 29 at the Haliburton School of Art + Design.
Speaking with The Highlander this week, Wyonch said his work carries on from a prior U-Links project investigating surface water samples from Stocking, Kennisis, Paudash, Spruce and Wenona lakes. Other waterbodies, such as Haliburton Lake and Lake Kashagawigamog, have been added to his study to represent microplastic pollution in more populated areas.
“The idea is to understand how the connection between human presence and microplastics may change over time,” Wyonch said.
Microplastics are materials up to five millimetres long that have typically broken down from a larger product. Wyonch said there are two main categories – primary, which are bead-like components largely found in personal care and beauty products, and secondary, which are small fragments from things like plastic containers and construction materials.
They’re also distinguished by different plastic types, usually polyester, polyethylene, and polypropylene.
“One of the reasons microplastics are so infamous right now is because when they break down to such a miniscule size, they’re often light enough for them to be carried through the atmosphere. That’s why we’re seeing reports of their presence in the Arctic and other very remote areas.”
Wyonch said preliminary results from 2022 and 2023 data show a median concentration of three microplastic particles per litre of surface water across the 18 lakes tested. The average size of microplastics found was about 1.5 millimetres.
Asked about the impacts on water quality and human health, Wyonch said that’s “complex” to determine. He cited studies that found some aquatic species becoming lethargic, displaying abnormal behaviour, and seeing changes to their immune system when exposed to different types and concentrations of microplastics.
“We can’t really subject humans to the same trials… but what we do know is microplastics are easily ingested and inhaled by humans and other large animals and frequent places like the brain, lungs and blood,” Wyonch said.
Some types of microplastics, especially older pieces, can bond with other contaminants, like pesticides, which can make them more dangerous, Wyonch added.
There were some anomalies in his data, notably a spring 2023 sample from Big Hawk Lake showing a concentration of about 13 particles per litre. The average of all other lakes that season was four.
“There could be multiple reasons for that – where you collect samples from makes a big difference. Microplastics tend to accumulate closer to the shore. On-water activities, like fishing, are big sources of microplastic pollution,” Wyonch said.
Eliminating the problem is largely impossible at this point, though Wyonch noted people can help limit further pollution by changing their consumption habits.
“Be conscious of your plastic use, recognize how much you use and then find alternatives, especially for single-use plastics. It’s those things that are most likely to find their way into our environment,” he said.
On the agenda
U-Links staffer Daniela Pagliaro said more than 30 students will be available this weekend to discuss their County-based projects with the public. Informative posters will be displayed in the HSAD great hall.
There will be two additional live presentations, by Ella Honey and Angus McBridge who analyzed light pollution on Paudash Lake, and Tully Privett on CanoeFM radio statistics.
A panel discussion on invasive species in Haliburton County is also scheduled, featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Pedro Antunes from Algoma University, students Kaleigh Mooney and Eric Sager, and Paul MacInnes of the Coalition of Haliburton Property Owners’ Associations (CHA).
“They will discuss the threat of invasive species and what you can do to help,” said U-Links director Andy Gordon.
The celebration of research runs 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attendance is free with a light lunch and refreshments served. Register online at ulinks.ca.
