Truckee River microplastic levels jump tenfold during spring flows
Scientists found that microplastic concentrations in the Truckee River increased nearly ten times between fall 2022 and spring 2023.
Study samples collected across Nevada
Researchers led by Hannah Lukasik gathered water samples at multiple sites upstream and downstream of Reno. The sampling took place in fall 2022 and again in spring 2023 to compare seasonal differences.
Spring flows flush plastics from landscape
Mean concentrations reached 3.7 microplastics per liter during the spring season compared to 0.4 per liter in fall. Higher water volume likely washed these fragments from the surrounding landscape and river bottom into the main channel.
Polyethylene and polypropylene dominate findings
The study identified polyethylene and polypropylene as the primary plastic types accumulating throughout the river system. These materials include common items like shopping bags, milk jugs, and plastic wrap used in daily life.
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