Microplastics
Virtual Pennsylvania Lake Erie Environmental Forum (PA LEEF)
April 22, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 PM Eastern
(ERIE, PA) – Microplastics in the Great Lakes and Lake Erie watersheds will be the focus of the next Pennsylvania Lake Erie Environmental Forum (PALEEF), hosted virtually on April 22, 2025, at 1:00PM Eastern. The forums are hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) and Pennsylvania Sea Grant. Participation is free, however, you must register to gain access to the webinar.
Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size that pose a long-term threat to the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes, with cascading effects on the environment and potential impacts to human health. They accumulate in the waters of the Great Lakes through sources such as plastic waste, personal care products, synthetic fibers from clothing, and degraded larger plastic debris. The widespread presence of microplastics makes it difficult to track and manage as they often come from a variety of sources.
Aquatic species, such as fish or zooplankton, are particularly threatened by microplastic pollution. When ingested, microplastics can lead to injury and the bioaccumulation of toxic chemicals, which can affect their reproductive health, growth, and behavior, which could destabilize aquatic ecosystem food-webs and biodiversity.
Invited speakers include members of the International Joint Commission who will share results from a recent microplastics survey of the Great Lakes. Additional topics will include an overview of the Great Lakes Stormwater Collaborative and a special reminder about harmful algal blooms from Pennsylvania Sea Grant.
Register today for this unique opportunity to come together and discuss this pressing issue. The Forum agenda and links to previously recorded sessions are available online. For additional details or questions, contact Amber Stilwell, Pennsylvania Sea Grant’s Lake Erie Coastal Outreach Specialist at ars26@psu.edu.
April 15, 2025
