Microplastics in the Great Lakes is an emerging water quality issue that has a huge potential of impacting human health and the aquatic environment.
It has been estimated that microplastics are consumed by the US population at a rate of 5 grams per week; this is weight of a credit card.
Microplastics are found in our food, water, air and even beer along the Great Lakes. Fish are ingesting microplastics that causes them to starve and allows for microplastics to move up the food chain.
Lake Michigan is the #1 plastic deposition area.
The presentation will be given by Art Hirsch, a former environmental consultant with over 30 years of experience. Art lives in Boulder Colorado and spends his summers in Pentwater Michigan. He is originally from North Muskegon Michigan and he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado. His expertise is in the areas of water quality, stormwater management, sustainability, climate change and environmental impact assessments.