Development, Sampling, and Analysis of Nanoplastics on the North Shore of Quebec

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, under the Coastal Environmental Baseline Data Program (Ocean Protection Plan), aims to research coastal biodiversity and habitats, focusing on nanoplastics' presence, behavior, and impacts. Nanoplastics, derived from degrading plastic debris, are emerging contaminants needing urgent analysis due to their environmental and health risks. Fisheries and Oceans Canada requires a research to be carried out on nanoplastics contaminants (and associated additives) presents in the lower estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. More precisely, we seek to analyze the types of polymer particles and the additives present in coastal environments (water and sediment) and in filter-feeding organisms (e.g. mussels and clams). This research will be beneficial for scientific activities in order to: 1. Determine and characterize the types of nanoplastics and their additives. 2. Have a detailed list of the composition and size of these particles. 3. Quantify nanoplastics by areas and in the organisms sampled. 4. Know their distribution and factors influencing their distribution, e.g.: distance from a large city, waste water treatment system, etc. Sampling and extraction tasks will take place at various stations along the coast between Tadoussac and Port-Cartier. Analysis and reporting tasks will be carried out in the contractor's laboratories. Deliverables (data and reports) will be sent by email.