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Great Lakes Microplastics Summit

Virtual conference with a coffee cup
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Great Lakes Microplastics Summit

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is proud to present the Great Lakes Microplastic Summit, a dynamic one-day, virtual event uniting scientists, professionals, policymakers, and community members to explore the growing impact of microplastics on our freshwater systems.

Join EGLE for this free, inaugural event!

The Great Lakes Microplastics Summit will be held on October 22, 2025.

From cutting-edge research to real-world challenges, this summit dives into the latest knowledge on microplastics in surface water and drinking water. Through engaging presentations and interactive discussions, we'll explore four key areas:

  • Where Do Microplastics Go? Understanding Their Movement in the Environment
  • How Do We Detect Them? Advances in Microplastic Research Methods
  • What Are the Risks? Impacts on Human and Environmental Health
  • How Do They Interact? Microplastics and Other Contaminants

Whether you’re a researcher, environmental advocate, policymaker, or simply curious about the health of our waters, this summit offers a valuable opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate.  Join us as we advance the conversation on microplastics in the Great Lakes

Register for the summit

Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, smaller than 5mm (a grain of rice or smaller). They can come from intentionally made products, such as glitter, which is called a primary source, or from larger plastic items that have worn down over time, such as broken plastic containers, which are secondary sources. Microplastics can be found across the world, including in plants, animals, and people, as well as our physical environment. 

Learn more about microplastics
microplastics floating in dark, greenish blue water