This research quantified microplastic contamination across Saratoga Springs’ freshwater system, including drinking water sources, tributaries, and lakes. Microplastics were detected at every site, averaging 17.3 MP/L, with fibers as the dominant type. Concentrations were highest at urban-influenced sites, including the city’s main drinking water source. These findings highlight the persistence of microplastics across rural-to-urban gradients and suggest that infrastructure, land use, and seasonal dynamics influence local contamination patterns.
