Papers

Ingestion of microplastics by copepods in Tampa Bay Estuary, FL

Researchers studied tiny crustaceans called copepods in Tampa Bay, Florida, and found they regularly ingest microplastic fragments from the surrounding water. Over a two-year sampling period, an average of about 15 plastic particles were found per 1,000 copepods, mostly small fragments rather than fibers. Since copepods are a key food source for fish and other marine life, their intake of microplastics could transfer plastic contamination up the food chain.

The effect of wind mixing on the vertical distribution of buoyant plastic debris

Researchers modeled and measured how wind mixing affects the vertical distribution of buoyant plastic debris in the ocean, finding that turbulent mixing drives plastics below the surface and explains why surface sampling underestimates total plastic concentrations.

Microplastics in Tampa Bay, Florida: Abundance and variability in estuarine waters and sediments

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.

Benthic foraminifera in Gulf of Mexico show temporal and spatial dynamics of microplastics

Researchers used benthic foraminifera from sediment cores in the Gulf of Mexico to reconstruct the temporal and spatial dynamics of microplastic accumulation since plastic production began. The study found that microplastic concentrations in sediment records reflected the historical increase in global plastic production over recent decades.

Spatial and temporal trends in microplastic pollution in the Eastern Oyster, Crassotrea virginica, in Tampa Bay, Florida

Microplastics in large marine herbivores: Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in Tampa Bay

Researchers documented microplastic ingestion in Florida manatees for the first time, finding microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of 26 dead individuals from Tampa Bay and identifying fibers, fragments, and films from multiple polymer types.

Benthic Foraminifera in Gulf of Mexico Show Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of Microplastics