Session: Micro- & Nano-plastics in the Environment: Detection, Characterization, Fate & Impact:

The introduction of microplastics into waterways has brought with it many negative effects to marine life, as well as human life. By advancing the understanding of the impact that microplastics have on organisms and the environment, it is possible to gauge the risk that such pollution brings with it. Due to the increased concentrations of microplastics in water systems, shellfish species such as Crassostrea virginica (Eastern Oyster) have been found to have microplastics in their tissues. Such microplastics also carry hazardous pollutants, either added into the plastic during production, or through absorption post-production. This not only poses a threat to the individual organism and its species, but evidently similar species in its environment as well as the entire related food-web, since microplastics can be passed from prey to predator. Using a new approach, this research will investigate the localized concentrations of microplastics in shellfish tissues. This will be conducted by searching for elevated concentrations of titanium. Titanium oxide (TiO2) is a common additive in microplastics as a protectant against UV light, and through examining the concentrations of titanium in various tissues, it will allow for the determination as to where microplastic concentrations are the highest in contaminated shellfish. Titanium concentration will be evaluated through tissue digestion, followed by ICP-MS analysis. Once titanium concentration is quantified, microplastic concentration can be calculated.

Vinka Craver

University of Rhode Island College of Engineering

Appearances