BS Candidate, University of Central Florida
Conference Travel Grant Type 2
Microplastics Abundance and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Concentrations Correlation in Man-made vs. Natural Freshwater Systems
“Microplastics and nutrients are both common anthropogenic pollutants that enter freshwater aquatic systems. Previous research indicates that microplastics hinder nitrogen (N) uptake, alter microbe communities and pathways, and reduce N and phosphorus (P) removal in wetlands, possibly leading to an increase in N and P concentrations in the water column. However, it is unknown if there is a correlation between microplastic abundance and concentrations of N and P in freshwater systems of central Florida, or if the concentrations or correlations different between manmade water basins and natural wetlands. Water basins, in particular, have not been researched thoroughly in relation to microplastics. This study will quantify microplastic type and abundance, along with nitrate and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), in five natural wetlands and five water basins in central Florida, USA. To limit plastic contamination of the samples, glass bottles will be used to obtain water samples across sites. Once returned to the lab, samples will be poured through a gridded filter using a vacuum suction. The microplastics on the gridded filters will be placed under the microscope, counted, and separated into fragments, fibers, or beads. Nutrient concentrations will be quantified with a discrete water analyzer. We predict there will be a positive correlation between microplastic abundance and nutrient concentration and that we will find more microplastics in freshwater water basins compared to wetlands, as these tend to be closer to anthropogenic development. This research will help land managers recognize the relationship between microplastics and nutrients to improve pollution management.”