Microplastics
Understanding the water quality of Kasshabog Lake is something we all care about. Microplastics are becoming a growing concern worldwide because they affect the environment, wildlife, and even our own health in indirect ways. To gain a clearer picture, the LKRA board sponsored a study to measure and understand the different types and amounts of microplastics in our lake. Led by Leila Macdonald, the project involved collaborating with a dedicated fourth-year student from Trent University’s School of the Environment, who was excited to work on this as her thesis. From June to November 2025, numerous samples were collected to explore how common microplastics are and what their characteristics are in Kasshabog Lake. We found that nearshore sediments tend to collect polystyrene foam particles, especially those coming from docks. Samples taken within 80 meters of a dock showed notably higher amounts than those from the middle of the lake, which supports the idea that polystyrene docks are contributing to microplastic pollution nearby. We also noticed that foam concentrations in beach sediments follow a pattern — higher downstream of polystyrene docks, showing an upcurrent-downcurrent gradient. Overall, the study reveals that local sources and the characteristics of microplastic particles shape how they're distributed in Kasshabog Lake. These insights remind us of the importance of managing and reducing microplastic sources to protect our precious freshwater systems.
Summary of Microplastics research:
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Cottagers likely generate most of the microplastics on Kasshabog Lake.
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Most of the microplastics produced by cottagers stay in the lake and do not drain out the dam.
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50% of Shoreline Cleanup is polystyrene foam from docks on 7% of properties. The other 50% is accidental pollution (toys, bottles, containers).
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Most microplastics accumulate in sediment and on beaches. Few microplastics are found in the water, mostly suspended in the water column. Very few are found on the water surface.
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The pollution footprint of a marina poly dock is likely 80 m from shore. The pollution footprint of a private poly dock is about 20 m from shore. The footprint of a hotspot in a back bay where pollution collects is very close to shore.
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The average level of microplastics around Kasshabog is lower than other lakes. But there are hotspots with concentrations similar to Lake Ontario.
What can you do to reduce microplastics in Kosh?
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Be mindful of losing any water bottles, plastic packaging, or children’s toys overboard.
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Be active in shoreline cleanups.
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Stop using empty detergent bottles as markers. Instead, contact the LKRA for long-lasting LKRA markers. Take in your markers in the autumn.
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Do not use polystyrene foam over the winter. For example, as a bed for winter boat storage or as a bumper between docks. If you hire contractors to winterize your dock, ensure they do not use foam.
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If you are one of the 44 remaining owners of foam docks, upgrade your dock. And please remove your dock; do not give it to another cottager to pollute another part of the lake. This has happened twice.
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If you are a neighbour, here are some tips for approaching foam dock owners and politely asking them to upgrade. Pick a time when they are in a good mood, e.g., the morning. Ask them if they have been reading about the microplastics study? If not, summarize it for them. For example, the Trent University study shows the pollution footprint of a private dock is about 20 m. Ask them what the impediments to them upgrading their dock are. Ask them to make a new dock a priority. If you would like to know which neighbours to approach, contact the LKRA for info. Consider repositioning the intake valve on your water pump to a further location.
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If you have a beach on your shoreline, rake away the pollution every year.
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Since Stoney Lake Bay and the South End have the highest density of microplastics, a local cottager needs to step up and show leadership in your bays.
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Teach your grandkids to swim with their mouth closed.
Microplastics Q&As
About the study...
LKRA published a Facebook post listing the common questions above about the TrentU microplastic study. (The LKRA Facebook)
The study was conducted from June–November 2025. Microplastics are small plastic particles (less than 5 mm) that are produced through human activities and are found in our air, rivers, lakes and oceans. A total of 110 samples were collected from surface water, deep water, sediment, and rainwater and analyzed by a fourth-year student in the School of the Environment at Trent University. The purpose of the research was to measure the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in Kasshabog Lake.
In these FAQ's, you will notice recurring themes.
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When people think of plastic waste, they think of single-use straws and bags. That is not our problem. Our story is about containers, toys, and polystyrene foam from old docks.
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Microplastic science is young. Some of the following posts raise questions for which scientists do not yet have answers. Some posts raised questions we could have answered, but we did not have enough time within the scope of last summer’s project to test additional samples.
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Microplastic pollution can be local - your shoreline may be okay, while a neighbour several doors down may have some.
Our student worked for months to calculate our results. Of the 110 samples taken, she had to separate, count, measure, photograph, and test each of the 454 microplastics she collected! (See slideshow at the bottom of the page) She then extrapolated these data into the charts you will see. This is why commercial testing for microplastics does not exist. Check out her thesis on the LKRA website. (Read the final report here)
We will communicate with care, but we will not alter or hide any results. Some cottagers may find some posts uncomfortable. Please remember that the goal of this research is to improve water quality for all 620 properties.
Slide show of the Research
There are 3 stages to the research:
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Collecting: Water tests take 2 minutes, sediment tests 15 minutes, plus travel time.
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Filtering: Removing sand and wood, chemically removing the biologicals.
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Counting and identifying using a microscope.
The slide show below depicts how the student analyzed the annual pollution collected from the shore.
Click on an image to learn more.
