Carleton University

Purpose

The Project will advance the understanding of microplastics in Canadian waters by evaluating the accuracy and precision of a three-dimensional numerical model developed by the NRC to predict microplastic distribution in the Ottawa River through both space (different areas of the river) and time (different seasons). Specifically, this field-based project will assess the prevalence, distribution, and characteristics of microplastic pollutants in the Ottawa River using standardized protocols for comparison against predicted values based on the modelled distribution of microplastics in the river. Further, the team will test if greater microplastic concentrations occur in areas or times of greater dissolved organic carbon concentrations. Data from the Project will be integrated in a public access portal, with the results to feed into a larger project across Canada to examine microplastic concentrations and characteristics in targeted Canadian rivers.