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A new study published in the journal Science finds that more than 1,000 metric tons of microplastic particles—equivalent to 300 million plastic bottles—have rained down on national parks, wilderness areas, and other protected areas in the West. Researchers from Utah State University surveyed nearly a dozen protected areas across the region, from Rocky Mountain National Park to Joshua Tree and the Grand Canyon, finding significant quantities of tiny shredded plastic particles throughout. Remarkably, 4% of dust particles collected from the sites were actually plastic.
Microplastics can be transported by wind and rain, allowing them to reach the most remote places on the globe. "Plastics could be deposited, readmitted to the atmosphere, transported for some time, deposited and maybe picked up again," said lead researcher Janice Brahney. And who knows how many times and who knows how far they’ve travelled?
Westerners are growing increasingly concerned about the threat microplastics pose to the environment and public health. Colorado College's Conservation in the West Poll recently found that 79% of Westerners view the presence of microplastics in rivers, lakes, and streams as a serious problem.
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