An examination of microplastic pollution in protected areas from outdoor recreation - Dataset

Abstract

This study examined microplastic (MP) pollution in protected areas. To begin with, a sampling protocol was developed that allowed MPs to be sampled and analysed on multiple types of trail surfaces. Using this method, MP occurrence was investigated in two Australian conservation areas with recreational and competitive trail running, the 1) Duval Nature Reserve and adjoining Dumaresq Dam Reserve, and 2) the World Heritage Listed Washpool and Gibraltar Range National Parks. Microplastic deposition from trail running events was empirically examined in a controlled study and two public trail running events (the Duval Dam Buster and Washpool World Heritage Trail Race). Atmospheric microplastic deposition was investigated over a 6 month period in the Dumaresq Dam Reserve and Duval Nature Reserve. Microplastic movement on trail surfaces was assessed using rainfall simulation. Effects of weathering on microplastic properties and bioaccessibility were investigated using simulated weathering of microplastics from trail shoe outsoles. Impacts on physicochemical properties were assessed using microscopy, spectroscopy and thermal analysis, and effects on bioaccessibility were examined using mild extraction techniques and spectroscopy. Data collected between 2020 and 2022.