Our research group has been investigating microplastics in freshwater since 2014. Our group was the first to report on the extent of microplastic pollution in Lake Winnipeg, with contaminant levels comparable to those observed on the Laurentian Great Lakes. We also identified Lake Winnipeg as a large potential sink for microplastics. Research conducted by Sarah Warrack at the University of Manitoba investigated the fate and resuspension of several plastic types in wetland mesocosms.

Most recently, with funding and support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and NSERC, we have been conducting research in collaboration with Chelsea Rochman at the University of Toronto to investigate the impacts of microplastics on fish. Lab experiments exposing fish to a gradient of microplastic exposures conducted at the University of Toronto has supported research into metabolic, proteomic and behavioural responses to these exposures (being conducted by Cody Veneruzzo, Haley Macleod and Tristan Morrison, respectively). Finally, as part of the pELAstics experiment, we are participating in mesocosm and whole-lake exposures to evaluate the impact of microplastics at the ecosystem level. As part of this study, Cody Veneruzzo is investigating metabolic responses of fish to microplastic exposures.

You can read more about our whole-lake microplastic addition experiments here.