QUANTIFYING MICROPLASTICS PRESENT IN TAMPA BAY, FL

Microplastics (<5mm) are a known issue negatively affecting marine ecosystems in Tampa Bay and throughout the globe; however, their quantity at this time is unknown. In the Tampa Bay Area, the large-scale urbanization surrounding the Bay could suggest a high concentration of microplastics in the waters. Additionally, with Tampa Bay being the largest estuary in Florida, there is a potential for intense ecological impacts with the presence of these plastics. Microplastic concentrations were quantified and analyzed from surface water samples taken from seven stations throughout the Bay on a bimonthly schedule between January 2022 and November 2022. These samples were collected using 20-liter buckets and filtered through 212µm and 20µm sieves. These samples were then stained with a Nile Red solution and filtered onto black polycarbonate filters before being analyzed and quantified. Various precautions were taken to prevent contamination of the samples. Filtered water, “blank” replicates, were conducted monthly with the same procedure in order to correct minor background contamination. Data was analyzed for spatial distribution and quantity of microplastics throughout the entire bay. Continued monitoring is needed to further record the input of plastics into the Bay and to inform local management of this emerging contaminant.