Abstract
Microplastics are widespread and abundant. Few studies have examined the diversity and abundance of microplastics in wild organisms. This study determined the microplastic quantity and types in the organic tissues of the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica and Atlantic mud crab Panopeus herbstii from the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). This study also investigated whether location affected the microplastic abundance and variety. Organisms were collected from three sites across Mosquito Lagoon in the northern IRL. Oysters were frozen after collection. Crabs were placed in containers for 5 days before freezing. The soft organic tissue was chemically digested using hydrogen peroxide, filtered, and examined for microplastics. Water samples collected from each study site had an average of 23.1 microplastic pieces per liter and fibers were the most common type. There was a significant interaction for microplastic type and site for both oysters and crabs (p
Thesis Completion
2017
Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair/Advisor
Walters, Linda J.
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
College
College of Sciences
Department
Biology
Degree Program
Biology
Location
Orlando (Main) Campus
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Release Date
May 2017
Recommended Citation
Waite, Heidi, "Investigating the Quantity and Types of Microplastics in the Organic Tissue of Oysters and Crabs in the Indian River Lagoon" (2017). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 157.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses/157