Does Microplastic Contamination Influence Isopod and Amphipod Food Selection?
Faculty Mentor
Michele Guidone
Location
Savannah Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Biology
Abstract
Plastics, or petroleum-derived synthetic polymers, began mass production in the mid- 1900s and, today, are widely used product substrates in a multitude of industries. With mechanical weathering and UV radiation, these plastics can fragment into smaller particles known as microplastics. Less than 5 mm in size, microplastic contamination has become an ever-growing problem for marine and terrestrial environments, where they accumulate and persist for many decades. Small detritivore animals, such as isopods and amphipods, are particularly vulnerable to microplastic exposure as their feeding and habitat substrates act as major sinks for these contaminants. Microplastics within detritus and sediment can be consumed incidentally, accumulating in the gut and reducing feeding efficiency and growth of these organisms. This may reduce detritivore populations, with potential consequences for nutrient cycling and organic matter availability. These organisms can also act as an entry point for microplastics to enter higher trophic levels as they are prey for larger animals. The purpose of this study was to determine if isopods and amphipods avoid consuming food sources mixed with microplastics. Animals were given a choice of contaminated and uncontaminated food; preliminary results indicate a preference for the uncontaminated control. This may indicate these animals can detect microplastics in their food and select plastic-free sources if available. Future research should examine whether this avoidance is maintained when the plastics are smaller in size or a different composition.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-21-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-21-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Whited, Colby, "Does Microplastic Contamination Influence Isopod and Amphipod Food Selection?" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 9.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026A/2026A/9
Does Microplastic Contamination Influence Isopod and Amphipod Food Selection?
Savannah Ballroom
Plastics, or petroleum-derived synthetic polymers, began mass production in the mid- 1900s and, today, are widely used product substrates in a multitude of industries. With mechanical weathering and UV radiation, these plastics can fragment into smaller particles known as microplastics. Less than 5 mm in size, microplastic contamination has become an ever-growing problem for marine and terrestrial environments, where they accumulate and persist for many decades. Small detritivore animals, such as isopods and amphipods, are particularly vulnerable to microplastic exposure as their feeding and habitat substrates act as major sinks for these contaminants. Microplastics within detritus and sediment can be consumed incidentally, accumulating in the gut and reducing feeding efficiency and growth of these organisms. This may reduce detritivore populations, with potential consequences for nutrient cycling and organic matter availability. These organisms can also act as an entry point for microplastics to enter higher trophic levels as they are prey for larger animals. The purpose of this study was to determine if isopods and amphipods avoid consuming food sources mixed with microplastics. Animals were given a choice of contaminated and uncontaminated food; preliminary results indicate a preference for the uncontaminated control. This may indicate these animals can detect microplastics in their food and select plastic-free sources if available. Future research should examine whether this avoidance is maintained when the plastics are smaller in size or a different composition.
