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Assessment of microplastics pollution in Biscayne Bay: Spatial distribution, tidal variability, and polymer hazard analysis
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in Biscayne Bay, Florida, examining spatial distribution, the influence of tidal cycles, and potential hazards based on polymer type. They found an average abundance of approximately 7 particles per cubic meter of surface water, predominantly low-density polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The study indicates that tidal dynamics influence microplastic distribution in the bay and that certain polymer types pose greater ecological risks than others.
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive and ubiquitous emerging contaminants potentially affecting both the environment and human health. This study investigates the occurrence and spatial distribution of MPs in Biscayne Bay, evaluating the influence of tidal cycles on MP abundance and assessing their potential hazard based on polymer type. Surface water samples were collected using a plankton net trawl method. This study found an average MP abundance of 7.16 ± 1.57 particles/m, mainly low-density polymers such as Polypropylene (40%) and Polyethylene (24%). Detected MPs were mainly fragments (63.4%) and fibers (21.3%), within a size range of 300-1000 μm. As expected, tidal cycles influence the abundance and distribution of MPs, with the low tide grab samples exhibiting a significantly higher (38.8 ± 10.50 particles/L) MP abundance than the high tide samples (17.2 ± 4.02 particles/L). MP polymer hazard assessment reveals that PVC hazard level is of critical concern, and Miami River (MR) exhibited the highest level (level IV) due to the accumulation of hazardous MPs. Polymer hazard index (H) is negatively correlated with MP abundance (ρ = -0.37, p > 0.05). This study provides baseline data for understanding the occurrence, and distribution of MPs in Biscayne Bay, and the findings underscores the need for targeted and integrated management intervention to address MP pollution.
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Researchers monitored microplastic abundance at multiple sites in St. Andrew Bay, Florida, over six consecutive seasons, finding the highest concentrations near wastewater treatment plant outflows and strong seasonal variation. The dominance of polypropylene and polyethylene fragments suggests local land-based sources, with treatment plant effluent identified as a significant local input.
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Researchers found that wastewater treatment plant outflows in St. Andrew Bay, Florida significantly influence the size, shape, and polymer composition of microplastics, with smaller polypropylene fragments dominating near discharge points.
Microplastics in Tampa Bay, Florida: Abundance and variability in estuarine waters and sediments
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This study provided the first systematic measurements of microplastic abundance and distribution in Tampa Bay, Florida, finding microplastics in both surface water and sediments throughout the estuary, with higher concentrations near urban areas. The data establish baseline contamination levels for one of Florida's largest estuaries and identify stormwater and wastewater as key sources.
Seasonal and spatial variations in microplastics abundances in St. Andrew Bay, Florida
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