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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
An Analysis Of Suspended Microplastics In Sewage Outfalls, Inlets, And Coastal Waters Of Broward County, Florida, Katrina A. Smith
An Analysis Of Suspended Microplastics In Sewage Outfalls, Inlets, And Coastal Waters Of Broward County, Florida, Katrina A. Smith
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
The widespread use of plastics has led to a surplus of plastic waste in landfills and the ocean. The degradation of these plastics produces microplastics, which are detrimental to the environment. Microplastics can be introduced into the ocean in several ways, including runoff and sewage outfalls; both pathways can concentrate microplastics and promote adsorption of environmental contaminants to the plastic's surface. South Florida has six sewage outfalls, and nine inlets, whose proximity to the Florida Reef Tract increases the potential exposure of microplastics to sensitive environments, such as the coral reef. A quantitative assessment of microplastics introduced into the ocean …
The Microscopic Threat With A Macroscopic Impact: Microplastics Along The Southeast Florida Reef Tract, Emma Wightman
The Microscopic Threat With A Macroscopic Impact: Microplastics Along The Southeast Florida Reef Tract, Emma Wightman
HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations
Microplastics have been found in large quantities in marine water samples and biota around the world. These microplastics, when present in the marine environment, decrease water quality and negatively impact marine life. This research quantified and classified marine plastic pollution along the Southeast Florida Reef Tract (SEFRT), in order to understand how this plastic is entering the ocean and the scope of the microplastic contamination in the northern SEFRT. Surface and bottom water samples were collected at 7 sites along the SEFRT for 6 months, filtered, and microscopically analyzed for microplastic content and composition using Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR). Classification …
Microplastics Invade Manta Ray Feeding Grounds Giving Rise To The Effects Of Global Plastic Pollution, Meghan Ulmer
Microplastics Invade Manta Ray Feeding Grounds Giving Rise To The Effects Of Global Plastic Pollution, Meghan Ulmer
Scientific Communication News
No abstract provided.
A Risk Analysis Of Microplastic Consumption In Filter Feeders, Sheri Rahman
A Risk Analysis Of Microplastic Consumption In Filter Feeders, Sheri Rahman
HCNSO Student Capstones
Microplastics (plastic particles < 5 mm) pose a serious threat to marine organisms, as researchers have documented such particles in the gut contents of numerous species. In particular, filter feeders are at risk of consuming microplastics because they may accidentally consume the particulates when feeding or they may prey on species that have already consumed them. The goals of this research were to evaluate the risks that different filter feeders face in regards to microplastic consumption through the analysis of the calculated Microplastic Consumption Rates for numerous species of filter feeders. Factors that could potentially affect this risk were also considered, including ocean basin, environment type, salinity, life stage, IUCN status, and filtration technique. Initial analysis showed that body size greatly impacted a species’ risk of microplastic consumption and further tests were completed to evaluate overall microplastic contamination for each species. Microplastic consumption and microplastic contamination values were evaluated and analyzed to determine which filter feeding species were most at risk of experiencing ecological effects from microplastic pollution. From a resource management perspective, this research highlights the filter feeding species most at risk, contributing to the development of more effective plastic waste management policies.
The Association Between Stomach Fullness And Vertical Migration Behavior In Deep-Pelagic Crustaceans And Fishes In The Gulf Of Mexico, With Notes On Microplastic Ingestion, Ryan P. Bos
HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations
This thesis presents: 1) the first statistically rigorous support for the longstanding hypothesis that state of satiation modifies diel vertical migration patterns of deep-sea micronektonic crustaceans and fishes; and, 2) the first assessment of microplastic ingestion by deep-pelagic micronekton in the Gulf of Mexico and Straits of Florida. Deep-sea pelagic crustaceans and fishes significantly contribute to abundance and biomass of pelagic ecosystems, are frequently consumed by commercially valuable fishery species, and serve to transport both nutrients and pollutants between shallow and deep waters. The results presented herein will be valuable for assessing risk associated with potential biomagnification of plastic through …