Seabirds as a vector and concentrators of microplastics in Arctic ecosystems

The aim of this project is to determine the distribution of both plastics and microplastics in Arctic ecosystems, and how seabirds may act as vectors and accumulators of plastic pollution. Thus, this project aims to explore how microplastics in bird guano around seabird colonies may contribute to the fate and concentration of microplastics in Arctic ecosystems. Specifically, this project will answer three main questions; 1) what is the distribution of microplastics in air, water, and sediments and how do they relate to their proximity from large seabird colonies?; 2) how are microplastics distributed in a benthic indicator species (blue mussels) in relation to their proximity from large seabird colonies?; and 3) how has the type and quantity of plastics accumulated by two seabird species in the Qikiqtarjuaq area changed since it was last quantified in 2007/08?