A test sampling of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River and other waterways across Illinois found tiny plastics present, posing potential threats to human health and damage to the environment, according to an advocacy group.
In all, 31 test sites, including multiple samplings along Lake Michigan, showed broken-down plastics in the water. Known as microplastics, these small particles are being studied by government and academic researchers for possible links to illnesses, including cancer. Plastics don’t easily break down in the environment and also threaten fish and wildlife.
Plastic food containers and bags, clothing fibers, pellets used in manufacturing and many other sources contribute to water pollution, according to a report released Thursday by Environment Illinois Research and Education Center.
Single-use plastics, “fast fashion” trends and stormwater runoff from factories using plastic pellets are among the biggest sources of water contamination, the report says.
“There is no silver bullet solution to address this pervasive problem. Multiple policy changes at the local, state and federal level are needed to combat this,” the report says.
In Springfield, lawmakers are debating a bill that would require plastics manufacturers to better control stormwater runoff that potentially releases the contaminants into water.
Illinois has taken small steps to control the pollution, including a measure signed into law in 2023 that bans polystyrene foam food containers at state buildings. Polystyrene is commonly known by the brand name Styrofoam. Some municipalities have similar laws.
Other bodies of water found to have microplastics include the Calumet, Des Plaines, Fox, Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, Rock and Vermillion rivers, Busse Lake and Skokie Lagoons.
“While many of the waterways sampled had little to no visual litter at the point of access, our survey found that plastic is a nearly invisible constant in Illinois waters,” the report says.
The concentration of plastics shows the need for laws to prevent them from entering the water, an environmental group says.
The concentration of plastics shows the need for laws to prevent them from entering the water, an environmental group says.
