The Impact of Microplastics on Crassostrea virginica Filtration Efficiency
Date
2019
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Department of Biology, College of Natural and Health Sciences, The University of Tampa
Abstract
There has been increasing concern among biologists about
whether or not microplastics are affecting the health of marine
organisms and humans. While some studies have shown microplastic
effects on juvenile Crassostrea virginica (Eastern Oyster), there
are few studies which focus on how adult Crassostrea virginica
are affected. This experiment focuses on the ability of adult
Crassostrea virginica to filter and dispose of different densities
of fluorescent polyethylene microbeads obtained from Cospheric
Innovations. Crassostrea virginicawere collected in Tampa Bay and
once acclimated, were exposed to treatment concentrations of 0.167
microbeads mL-1 and 0.083 microbeads mL-1 (500 mm–600 mm) at
a density of 1g cm-3 over a six hour time interval. An examination
of adult oyster clusters exposed to different amounts of microbeads
showed the adult oyster’s ability to take in microplastics. Microplastics
were seen in higher amounts within the 0.167 microbeads mL-1
concentration, with a maximum of 52 microbeads observed. Some
oysters filtered in microbeads, demonstrating the potential for
microplastics to impact oyster health, specifically mass loss. This
issue is prevalent in oyster populations and can impact higher
trophic level organisms through bioaccumulation. These results
demonstrate the issues associated with microplastics and encourage
future research to be conducted.
Description
Recommended Citation: Carpenter, Jenna, and Brianna Sierra. “The Impact of Microplastics on Crassostrea Virginica Filtration Efficiency.” Acta Spartae, 2019. https://doi.org/10.48497/XP2C-FQ23.
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Keywords
Microplastics, Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES, Crassostrea virginica, Eastern Oyster, Bay ecology--Florida--Tampa Bay Region
Citation
Carpenter, Jenna, and Brianna Sierra. “The Impact of Microplastics on Crassostrea Virginica Filtration Efficiency.” Acta Spartae, 2019. https://doi.org/10.48497/XP2C-FQ23.