Photo Credit: World Atlas
Application of Permeable Asphalt and Micro-Plastic Accumulating Plants to Reduce Pollution of St. Lawrence River How can we reduce pollution within the St.Lawrence river caused by runoff?
Natasha Lyons
and (McGill University )
Marie-Anne Dessureault
(McGill University )
Although it plays a crucial role in Quebec, the St Lawrence River was described as one of the most microplastic-polluted aquatic systems in the world in a study conducted in 2020 (Crew et al, 2020).
During heavy rain events in the summer and the snow melt period in spring, large amounts of rainwater flow down the streets of Montreal, picking up contaminants along the way. This water then gets mixed with sewage water in overwhelmed treatment plants and part of it continues to flow until it reaches the St Lawrence River, aiding in the river’s pollution. When the wastewater plants are overwhelmed, part of the sewage and rainwater is disposed of directly in the river system. Tens of thousands of these overflowing events happen every year in Quebec (Lavoie, 2023). This paper depicts a possible solution to the excess pollution within the St. Lawrence river caused by these events.
Learning objectives
- Permeable Pavement Applications
- Micro-Plastic Accumulative Plants
- Permeable Reactive Barriers
- Application of Enzymatic Spray for Reduction of Micro-Plastics in Plants