Microlitter in the water, sediments, and mussels of the Saint John River (Wolastoq) watershed, Atlantic Canada

Abstract

Microlitter is a widespread contaminant with implications for aquatic health; however, knowledge of its distribution in fresh waters is limited. We examined microlitter in surface water, sediment, and mussels within the Saint John River and four major tributaries. Microlitter was present at all 89 sites, with concentrations in water equivalent to other Canadian watersheds. Microlitter concentrations likely reflected differences in land use and development. Comparisons between rivers generally revealed distinct water microlitter particle compositions, suggesting that input sources were specific to each river, while microlitter in sediments and mussels was largely homogeneous among rivers. There was little similarity in concentration and composition of microlitter among the three matrices sampled. Microlitter in sediments and mussels may not reliably track concentration and composition in aquatic environments. Microlitter concentration was not significantly greater downstream of wastewater treatment plants. Airborne microlitter transportation was evident, as remote sites in two tributary rivers demonstrated the highest concentrations of microlitter. Our data highlights the prevalence of microlitter in rural rivers, underscoring the ubiquity of this emerging contaminant and its integration into food webs.