QUANTIFYING TEMPORAL TRENDS OF MACROPLASTICS IN TAMPA BAY

Abstract:
Plastic production has grown by millions of metric tons every year. After its production and use, plastics are often discarded into river systems distributing them into estuaries such as Tampa Bay, Florida. Plastic breaks down during this transport process and can become thousands of microplastics. However, many remain as large pieces that populate the water column of estuaries before entering the open ocean. A macroplastic is defined as any plastic particle larger than 5 mm. The collection of macroplastics was through a series of semi-annual surface neuston net tows across seven stations throughout Tampa Bay. While the objective of these tows was to collect microplastics, the macroplastics in this study were simultaneously acquired. The macroplastics collected ranged in size between 5.01 and 305.26 mm (2019, n=33) and between 5.42 and 132.48 mm (2020, n=21). The sizes of the collected macroplastics will be analyzed and compared to quantify the temporal trends (2019–2023) of macroplastic presence in Tampa Bay. It is necessary to monitor macroplastic trends as they have several negative impacts on marine ecosystems. These particles are more likely to be harmful if ingested by larger organisms. Macroplastics can accumulate in organisms, affecting respiration, gastric health, physiological effects, and even trophic transfer. Analysis of these macroplastics will help build a foundation for further research about whether pollutants remain in the water column or are trapped in estuarine habitats.

For more information: hnjohnson@eckerd.edu

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