Unraveling microplastic fate and transport in aerobic and anaerobic sediment conditions

Location

Poster Session 2 (Henderson Library)

Session Format

Poster Presentation

Your Campus

Statesboro Campus- Henderson Library, April 20th

Academic Unit

Department of Civil Engineering and Construction

Research Area Topic:

Engineering and Material Sciences - Civil

Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors

Dr. Francisco Cubas,

Dr. L. Stetson Rowles

Abstract

Microplastic particles and fibers are being found in greater numbers in our surface and ground waterways, as well as in a variety of aquatic biota. For the first time, microplastic contamination has also been isolated in human blood, with scientists discovering the microscopic particles in nearly 80% of those examined. Their presence in the environment and surface waters is largely due to in situ generation from physical and chemical weathering of larger plastics, which has raised concerns among environmentalists in the post‐banned era of microbead use in personal care products in the US. This study will evaluate the freshwater sediment's ability to act as a natural sink for microplastics (MP) through their microbial decomposition or by adsorbing and storing persistent MPs for indefinite time periods. The relationship between Polystyrene (used for packaging food and other products) degradation rates and sediment sorption in aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic-anaerobic environment will be studied. It is expected that Polystyrene levels will decrease at a higher rate when continuously subject to aerobic/anaerobic environments within the sediments. Advanced spectrometer techniques will be used to characterize MP in sediments (sandy sediments typically found in Georgia streambeds) to any bio-assimilation occurring due to the changes in the oxidation state of the sediments. These findings can be used to monitor plastic sources and establish degradation processes, making surface water management more efficient.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Presentation Type and Release Option

Presentation (Restricted to Georgia Southern)

Start Date

4-20-2022 1:30 PM

End Date

4-20-2022 3:00 PM

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Apr 20th, 1:30 PM Apr 20th, 3:00 PM

Unraveling microplastic fate and transport in aerobic and anaerobic sediment conditions

Poster Session 2 (Henderson Library)

Microplastic particles and fibers are being found in greater numbers in our surface and ground waterways, as well as in a variety of aquatic biota. For the first time, microplastic contamination has also been isolated in human blood, with scientists discovering the microscopic particles in nearly 80% of those examined. Their presence in the environment and surface waters is largely due to in situ generation from physical and chemical weathering of larger plastics, which has raised concerns among environmentalists in the post‐banned era of microbead use in personal care products in the US. This study will evaluate the freshwater sediment's ability to act as a natural sink for microplastics (MP) through their microbial decomposition or by adsorbing and storing persistent MPs for indefinite time periods. The relationship between Polystyrene (used for packaging food and other products) degradation rates and sediment sorption in aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic-anaerobic environment will be studied. It is expected that Polystyrene levels will decrease at a higher rate when continuously subject to aerobic/anaerobic environments within the sediments. Advanced spectrometer techniques will be used to characterize MP in sediments (sandy sediments typically found in Georgia streambeds) to any bio-assimilation occurring due to the changes in the oxidation state of the sediments. These findings can be used to monitor plastic sources and establish degradation processes, making surface water management more efficient.