Researchers find microplastics in Columbia River

PORTLAND, Ore. — We hear a lot about plastic polluting the ocean and how microplastics impact saltwater organisms, but new studies show it's also abundant in freshwater like the Columbia River.

Professor Kirsten Kapp, at Central Wyoming College, studied the Snake and Columbia rivers, taking numerous samples from along both waterways.

Researchers found microplastics in every sample — from Yellowstone to the ocean.

Kapp believes reducing our use of unnecessary plastics — like plastic forks — could make an impact.

"And, by making those changes, we're not only reducing the amount of plastics in the environment, but we're also reducing the dependency we have on the resources to make those,” she said.

She said the impact on humans isn't fully known, but what they've found makes the science community pay attention.

Kapp will take part in a webinar hosted by Columbia Riverkeeper Wednesday at noon to talk more about her studies of the Columbia River.

"Research described in the presentation was supported by the National Institute Of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P20GM103432. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health." - Kirsten Kapp