The University of British Columbia

Purpose

Estuarine wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, but are experiencing dramatic global losses. A pilot project at Sturgeon Bank in the Fraser Estuary is exploring the use of dredged sediment for marsh restoration. However, the effects of potential contamination of the dredged sediments by microplastics and leachates on project success remains poorly understood. At the same time, trapping of particulates by wetland vegetation offers promise for nature-based solutions designed to beneficially sequester microplastics. This Project will characterize microplastics in sediments at Sturgeon Bank, examine the relative distributions in dredgeate, mudflats and vegetated salt marshes, investigate contaminant leaching from microplastics, and determine UV weathering rates. This Project will also support informed decision-making for wetland restoration, enhance understanding and predictive modelling of microplastics fate and transport, and guide beneficial use of dredged sediment.