Microplastics found throughout Chesapeake Bay and tributaries, report says

A coalition of environmental groups led by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center found microplastics in water samples collected at every tested site across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including locations in Maryland, according to The Baltimore Banner.

The study analyzed 90 water samples from 15 sites spanning six states and Washington, D.C., with testing conducted by researchers at Drexel University's Academy of Natural Sciences and PennEnvironment, WYPR reported.

Microplastics detected included fibers from synthetic clothing, fragments from harder plastics, remnants from plastic bags and packaging, and microscopic beads from soaps and cosmetics. Fibers were present at every site, while other types appeared in varying proportions.

Advocates highlighted that the Chesapeake Bay watershed provides drinking water to about 13 million people, including many in Baltimore, and that microplastics pose risks to wildlife and potentially human health. Studies suggest these contaminants may contribute to health issues such as hormonal disruptions and respiratory problems.

The National Aquarium's conservation policy director noted that hundreds of species have been documented ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic, which can cause direct injury or exacerbate other health conditions.

Environmental groups called for stronger regulation of single-use plastics to address the widespread contamination and protect the Bay's ecosystems and public health, emphasizing that this is a Maryland and Chesapeake Bay-wide issue.