Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Gilchrist, Sandra

Area of Concentration

Environmental Science

Abstract

The use of plastics in almost every industry has steadily been increasing since their initial boom in production beginning around World War II. The durability, low cost, and disposability are what make plastics ideal materials for use in manufacturing and consumer goods. However, these factors are also what make plastics some of the most harmful and persistent pollutants on Earth. Disposal of plastics is tricky due to their extremely long residence time in landfills and human health hazards associated with incineration. Recycling bears some of the burden of plastics waste management, but it is not an entirely effective solution for several reasons. Plastics frequently exit the waste stream, tending to collect in the oceans which are currently acting as a sink for plastic debris. Microplastics, particles less than 5 mm, are either formed during their initial production, or by the fragmentation of large plastic items. Microplastics are now posing novel threats to marine organisms and their habitat. Research shows that microplastics are frequently ingested by a broad assortment of organisms at all trophic levels, and in some cases, decrease the performance and survival of individuals. Microplastics are known to contain toxic additives, house persistent organic pollutants, and transport nonindigenous species. Research on microplastics is critical at this time due to the increasing concentrations of plastic accumulating daily in our oceans, which provide valuable ecosystem and economic services to humans. The goal of this paper was to identify priority areas to begin microplastics sampling in the waterways and bays of Sarasota County, a coastal area that relies heavily on the ocean for economic gain through multiple industries. Five priority areas were identified, stretching the length of Sarasota County, with consideration given to wastewater and stormwater runoff sources, as these tend to be the point of origin of microplastics pollution in the marine environment. Along with suggested areas to begin sampling, a sampling protocol was developed for the collection and processing of samples from water, sediment, and organisms. This research will hopefully contribute to microplastics research projects within Sarasota County in the near future.

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