University of Arkansas researcher helps uncover how streams trap microplastics

The long-term health effects aren't yet fully known, but one study indicates microplastics could be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

• Microplastics in streams are also concerning because they can be ingested by aquatic life, causing digestion and fertility problems, according to a UA news release.

State of play: Shannon Speir, a researcher in UA's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, joined others from the University of Notre Dame, Loyola University and the University of Chicago in the research.

• The group's final paper was published in the scientific journal "Limnology and Oceanography."

What they did: Researchers lined four artificial streams with cobble, pea gravel and sand. They colonized the streams with algae that lives on the bed surface, and released microplastics over three days.

What they found: Streams with higher levels of algae, larger rocks and higher levels of discharge retained more microplastics.

• Storms can dislodge microplastics from the stream bed and push them downstream, which could help determine the best timing for removal efforts, one researcher said.