17 Nearshore and Estuarine Research: Dynamics and Future Resiliency in the Coastal Zone

This session focuses on drivers of change in coastal environments as well as planning for future resiliency in tidal marshes, mudflats, estuaries, and barrier systems, including human activity impacts, sea level rise, & changing sediment supply.

Monday, 23 March 2026
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CCC, Room 22/23

Spatiotemporal Distribution of Microfibers in the Upper Hudson River Estuary: Evidence for Dry Weather Accumulation

Paper number: 17-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 10:40 AM – 11:00 AM

Authors

Abstract

Microplastics are an emerging environmental contaminant across air, land and sea. Estuaries often act as zones of accumulation for pollutants like microplastics before feeding them into the ocean. The majority of anthropogenic micropollutants in aquatic samples are microfibers, which can introduce harmful chemicals and dyes into the environment, as well as negatively impact the health of aquatic species. The goal of this study was to monitor microplastics in the Upper Hudson River Estuary Watershed to identify trends and spatiotemporal variations in pollutant concentrations within the estuary. From May to August, nine sites in the upper estuary portion of the Hudson River and its tributaries were sampled monthly for microplastics. Particulates were transferred to slides using forensic tape, and microplastics were identified visually under the microscope. Microfibers were found in 71.2% of samples, and microplastic fragments were in 49.5% of samples (n = 111). Fibers included microfiber plastic pollutants (MPPs) and non-plastic anthropogenic microfiber pollutants (AMPs). Microfibers were the dominant form of microcontaminant every sampling month except for August. Microfibers were also found at all nine sites every month except for one site in August. There was no significant difference in microfiber concentrations across sampling sites or sampling months. However, a significant, positive relationship was observed between MPP concentrations and the number of days since the last rain. These results highlight the spatial and temporal pervasiveness of microfibers in estuaries, as well as suggest that the movement of microplastics into waterways increases during dry periods.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411426

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