Microplastics, Macro-Problems: Abundance of Man-Made Materials in the Waters and Sediments of Florida State Parks

Authors

Luciana M. Banquero, University of Central FloridaFollow
Kate McLendon, University of Central FloridaFollow
Andres Alatorre, University of Central FloridaFollow
Mackenzie Daniels, University of Central FloridaFollow
Savanna Freeman, University of Central FloridaFollow
Cassidy Starke, University of Central FloridaFollow
Katherine Harris, University of Central FloridaFollow
Sidney J. Busch, University of Central FloridaFollow

Mentor

Dr. Linda Walters

Abstract

Man-made materials (MMM) are pollutants introduced to the environment by human activity. Microplastics (MP) are a type of MMM that threaten living organisms through bioaccumulation. The term MMM also encompasses pollutants produced from natural materials, such as rayon and microfibrillated cellulose, which are used in food packaging. This study aims to determine the extent of MMM pollution within estuaries in two of Florida’s state parks, as well as the effectiveness of using restored vegetation on shorelines to reduce MMM pollution. Tomoka State Park and Gamble Rogers State Park were selected at the request of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. At each park, we compared MMM in sediments of replicate intertidal areas with bare sand (control) vs. sites with restored vegetation (mangroves, marshgrass). Additionally, MMM in estuarine water directly seaward of control and vegetated areas were compared. Restoration occurred two years prior to this study. MMM were extracted from sediments and water samples and then examined by microscopy. A total of 341 MMM were found; 120 were collected from water samples and 221 from sediments. More MMM (58%) of the total were found in Tomoka State Park samples. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed 15% of collected samples were plastic polymers (e.g., polysulfone and polystyrene). More MMM (78) were found in Tomoka State Park water samples than in Gamble Rogers State Park water samples (42) (Kruskal-Wallis: p = 0.05). MMM abundance within sediments was not different between parks, or between control and restored sites (Kruskal-Wallis, all comparisons: p > 0.26). Our research provides the first documentation of MMM pollution, including MP pollution, in these state parks, thereby giving park managers insight on the resources they manage and the impact of human activity on conserved land.

About the Author

Luciana Banquero is a recent graduate of the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She is an aspiring scientist with interest in researching climate change ecology. She is currently working as a Post-Baccalaureate Scholar in the Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab at UCF.

Recommended Citation

Banquero, Luciana M.; McLendon, Kate; Alatorre, Andres; Daniels, Mackenzie; Freeman, Savanna; Starke, Cassidy; Harris, Katherine; and Busch, Sidney J. (2023) "Microplastics, Macro-Problems: Abundance of Man-Made Materials in the Waters and Sediments of Florida State Parks," The Pegasus Review: UCF Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 15: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://stars.library.ucf.edu/urj/vol15/iss1/6