By Jason Donati, HEC Water Program and Policy Director
Think back to the last time you waded into a river in Indiana. You probably didn’t notice any plastic fragments floating in the water. But all around you, microplastics lurked in fiber, film, foam, bead, spherical, and pellet form. Many are invisible to the naked eye. Nanoplastics, microscopic plastic fragments, also floated around – and within you.
Microplastics are plastic particles between 1 nanometer and 5 millimeters in size, such as a strand of human hair. Nanoplastics are anything less than 1 nanometer, such as an atom. Macroplastics are larger than 5 millimeters, such as a drinking straw diameter. Plastic fragments can be found in surface water, in sediment on the stream or lakebed, and in our atmosphere.
Plastics don’t decompose; they fragment.
Research has confirmed that plastic fragments can be found in the surface water and sediments of the Upper White River Watershed (UWRW). The UWRW is a HUC- 8 sub-basin watershed that stretches from its headwaters in Winchester, Indiana, all the way southwest past Indianapolis and beyond, covering 16 counties and 1,740,544 acres. A 2000 study conducted by Ball State’s Department of Natural Resources found in sampling of surface waters that “Indiana’s White River contains quantities of microplastic particles, especially of synthetic fibers, comparable to other fluvial studies”, suggesting that “the widespread use and laundering of synthetic clothing and the land application of treated sewage sludge, in addition to atmospheric deposition and overland runoff, are all likely sources of synthetic fibers found in the White River and similar systems.”i
A follow-up study conducted in 2024 looked more closely at sediments in the White River and found, “fragment concentrations were consistent across sites; however, the concentrations of films and fibers differed greatly, suggesting that other environmental, geological, or anthropogenic variables may influence microplastic distributions,” emphasizing the, “need for better waste management, pollution control, and targeted strategies to reduce microplastic contamination in rivers and sediments.’ii Such recommendations include reducing single-use plastics, sustainable agriculture practices, and upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities.
Indiana Passed Legislation to Protect the “Rights” of Plastic Bags
In 2016, House Bill 1053 became law, amending the Indiana home rule statute to prevent local communities from being able to ban or regulate single-use plastic in their own communities. We know the sources of microplastic fragments and that they originate from many different non-point (you can’t always point to it) and point-source (you can point directly at it) pollution. Our lifestyles and choices have been bombarded with such fragments including hygiene products, bags, containers, packaging, bottles, textiles, and more. A USGS study of rivers flowing into the Great Lakes found that “plastic fibers composed an average of 71% of the total number of microplastic particles found.” Fiber sources are likely derived from synthetic clothes and textiles, diapers, wipes, hygiene products, cigarette butts, and nets.
How do these fragments reach us?
According to the USGS, these fibers and fragments reach our waterways via wind and rain, agricultural stormwater runoff, urban stormwater runoff, application of biosolids, and wastewater treatment plant discharge. This conceptual diagram from the USGS shows the progression of microplastics in the environment.
Are Microplastics Harmful to Humans and Wildlife?
Yes. Many research publications from Plastic Reduction Alliance’s webpage explain how microplastics enter our bodies and wildlife through inhalation, ingestion, skin absorption, and infusion or transfusion therapies. According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s website, reported human health effects include decreased immune response, increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ effects such as changes in liver, kidney, and lung tissue. Research on long-term health effects is ongoing.
What Can You Do?
The Plastic Reduction Alliance is a great resource for research and suggestions on how you can work towards reducing your exposure to plastic through everyday solutions, including plastic alternatives. You may also consider shopping online at Terre Hautes reThink store which provides affordable plastic free alternatives for many of your household needs. They have quick shipping and great household products.
From a broader perspective, we must continue to educate the public and advocate for legislation that protects us and wildlife from increased exposure in our waterways. The Hoosier Environmental Council continues to work with legislators and other stakeholders on forward thinking solutions to this ongoing threat. Many states are adopting extended producer responsibility laws to hold corporations responsible for the waste they create. We should also work towards reversing HB 1053, which banned bans on single-use plastic. Local communities should be able to reduce single-use plastic and microplastic exposure in their own cities, towns, and counties.
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