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Hurricane Helene Drove a Microplastic Spike Across Western North Carolina
Key Takeaways
- Microplastic deposition during Hurricane Helene was three to 22 times higher than pre-storm levels at three western North Carolina sites.
- At Highlands Biological Station, the storm accounted for 18.8% of annual microplastic deposition; Iron Duff recorded 4.2% and Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory 4.6%.
- It is the first U.S.-based study to assess microplastic deposition before, during and after a hurricane.
- Researchers from Virginia Tech, Western Carolina University, Highlands Biological Station and UNC published the work in Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.
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DT Editorial Team··via phys.org