Microplastics in Haliburton Lakes

Found at the bottom of the world’s oceans and even on the top of Mount Everest, microplastics are everywhere. A recent research project conducted and presented as part of the recent ULINKs Celebration of Research has found microplastics in Haliburton Lakes. Trent University’s Environment and Life Sciences Masters Candidate Jacob Wyonch presented his findings to a virtual audience recently, which included environmental groups, interested local residents and members of the media. Local residents requested a study be conducted by the ULINKS Centre for Community-Based Research. Water sampling began with a previous researcher studying samples from Stocking, Kennisis, Potash, Spruce and Wenona lakes. Wyonch continued the study this past summer, aided by members of several area Lake Associations, who helped collect surface water samples two times per year, in the spring and the fall. CanoeFM recently spoke with Wyonch to discuss his findings and their significance.