Abstract
Microplastics are gaining increased attention as a ubiquitous anthropogenic contaminant. Despite the fact that freshwater systems may represent a major source for marine microplastic pollution, less data exists regarding environmental contamination and the biological effects of microplastics in freshwater environments. Taking an ecological approach, this experiment looks at the potential effects of the presence of polyester microfibers (a common form of microplastic) on the dynamics of a host-parasite relationship. We use wood frog tadpoles and trematode parasites common to local Northeastern wetlands as our model system.