Microplastic “Hotspots” Identified in Long Island

Forensic and environmental specialists have collaborated to create a new scientific technique for identifying microplastic pollution ‘hotspots’ in open waters.

The technique was tested in New York’s Long Island Sound through a collaboration involving Staffordshire University, The Rozalia Project for a Clean Ocean, and Central Wyoming College.

Professor Claire Gwinnett from Staffordshire University explained: “Long Island Sound was a location of interest because it has lots of factors that can cause pollution. It is an estuary that has high populations of wildlife, it is a busy transport route frequented by cargo ships, and is a popular fishing area. Located adjacent to New York City, it is also highly populated and a major tourist destination.”