Microplastic distribution and composition in mudflat sediments and varnish clams ( Nuttallia obscurata) at two estuaries of British Columbia, Canada: An assessment of potential anthropogenic sources

Widespread microplastic contamination affects the marine-coastal ecosystems in British Columbia, Canada. To understand the characteristics and spatial distribution of of microplastics (MPs), we compared the MPs in sediments (n = 159) and Varnish clams ( Nuttallia obscurata; n = 160) collected from two estuarine ecosystems (Cowichan and K'o<acute accent>moks) experiencing different anthropogenic impacts; primarily resource extraction (i.e., logging) at Cowichan and urban development at K'omoks. Our objective wasto determine the MP abundance levels in sediments and clams and infer possible sources of MPs at the two estuaries. Microplastic polymer type was confirmed through FTIR spectrometry. The average abundance of MPs in sediments were 14.37 f 11.57 particles/kg in the Cowichan Estuary and 30.96 f 14.58 particles/kg in the K'o<acute accent>moks Estuary. Varnish clam samples contained average abundance of 3.62 f 2.58 particles/g and 2.24 f 1.96 particles/g in Cowichan and K'o<acute accent>moks estuaries, respectively. The Cowichan Estuary's marine terminal and K'o<acute accent>moks Marina were found to be hotspots for MPs, likely due to a combination of industrial and local sources. Fibers were the most common type of MPs found in both sediment (53.34 %) and clam samples (53.5 %) from Cowichan, as well as in clam samples in% K'o<acute accent>moks, indicating a potential link to textile sources contributing to the widespread presence of MPs in the marine environment. There was no clear signal based on the primary use of the estuary. Polyethylene was the predominant polymer type of MPs found in sediment and clam samples at Cowichan, whereas Polyester was most common at K'o<acute accent>moks. Our study revealed the ubiquitous nature of these emerging pollutants in the sensitive estuarine environments of BC, with implications for plastic waste management and the reduction of plastic pollution at the regional level.