Microplastics (<5mm) are ubiquitous in the marine environment and negatively impact marine ecosystems globally. Estuarine environments are particularly vulnerable to microplastic contamination as terrestrial debris is transported to the surrounding marine waters via river runoff and anthropogenic infrastructure. Tampa Bay in particular has relatively few sources of river runoff, so a large portion of freshwater influx into the bay comes from storm drains and canals. This may provide a mechanism for microplastic contamination in Tampa Bay to become exacerbated by heavy rainfall and storms. Additionally, Tampa Bay waters are fairly shallow, and microplastics can become suspended from the sediment in the presence of strong winds, further contributing to elevated surface water contaminant levels. 

This study investigates time-separated correlations between rainfall and wind speed with microplastic concentrations. Results indicate there is not a statistically significant increase in microplastic concentrations from 2018-2023, and the lack of spatial trends indicate microplastics are evenly distributed and mixed within Tampa Bay. However, trends may be masked by rainfall and wind impacts on concentrations across temporally sparse sampling events. In the future, identified correlations may be used to correct for the impacts of rainfall and wind on measured microplastics concentrations. Because of the dynamic and complex nature of Tampa Bay, there is a clear need to continue long-term monitoring of microplastics. This research can be used to guide community outreach, education, and inform future legislative action.

Higher Resolution Poster 

For more information: rmqueall@eckerd.edu