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Microplastics data collected from streams in the northeastern United States, 2017-2018

Published by U.S. Geological Survey | Department of the Interior | Metadata Last Checked: January 27, 2026 | Last Modified: 2020-10-01T00:00:00Z
These data were collected to characterize the quantity and quality of microplastic particles found in 17 streams in the northeastern United States, from New York to Virginia. USGS staff who represent the Urban Landscapes Capabilities Team (ULCT) within the North Atlantic-Appalachian Region designed the study and collected the water samples on which the data are based. Data were collected during 2017 and 2018 and included a baseflow and stormflow sample at each site. Additionally, the various microplastic particles in each sample were characterized by one of two different size-fraction categories (categories of 355-1000 micrometers and 1000-5600 micrometers), by type of particle (fiber/line, fiber clump, bead/pellet, film, foam/rubber, or fragment), and by the number of particles of each type per sample. Quality control data also are included.

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