Identification of Macroplastics Subject to Degradation in Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Abstract:

The unintended presence of microplastics (plastic particles ≤ 5mm) in the natural environment has been increasingly reported. Since the widespread distribution of the small plastic particles has proven to be difficult to remediate, an emphasis must be placed on prevention to limit the potential negative effects. In order to decelerate the increasing appearances of microplastics, an understanding of microplastic sources must be established. Sources of microplastics can be classified as either primary or secondary. Direct emission of microplastics from plastic production is considered a primary source, while the release of microplastics formed from macroplastic (plastic pieces > 5mm) degradation is considered a secondary source.

Here we consider the importance of secondary sources of microplastic pollution as little is known about the extent that the degradation of macroplastics contributes to the overall presence of microplastics that have been identified in freshwater environments. This study examines recent results from subsamples (size: > 2 cm²) of plastic trash collected by Clean up Lake Tahoe using SCUBA from the subsurface shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The types of plastic subject to degradation in Lake Tahoe was determined through Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform InfraRed (ATR-FTIR) Spectroscopy. Here we present the initial results of the ATR-FTIR polymer type identification from macroplastic trash collected at select locations within Lake Tahoe.