About This Project

The Florida Keys are essential nursery habitat for commercial and recreational fish species. Despite this vital ecologic and economic position, studies reveal significant plastic contamination, highlighting a critical knowledge gap in ultra-small (<0.3mm) concentrations, which pose significant risk to ecosystem health[1]. We will fill this gap with first-of-a-kind collection of 0.3-0.05mm plastic using our unique trawl system, initiating long-term mitigation and monitoring projects.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

When people think about plastic in the ocean they imagine floating garbage, from large meter-scale pieces, down to small particles the size of sand. They do not consider the potentially more detrimental invisible micro-plastics (0.1-0.05mm) that can easily be ingested by marine life and eventually find their way into our food; and us[2]. As we investigate these invisible micro-plastics more, there is a disturbingly increasing trend in the amount we find, coupled with a lack of knowledge about what the environmental and human health impacts will be[3]. It has become imperative to identify the amount of micro-plastics in the ocean, in marine life, analyze its impacts, and begin monitoring and mitigating any effects.

What is the significance of this project?

Every year, approximately 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced, much of which ends up as micro- and nano-plastic particles[4]. When ingested by marine organisms, these particles can cause a host of health issues[6,7]. In the Florida Keys, a vital ecologic and economic habitat, recent studies have revealed significant micro-plastic contamination in fish species and sea cucumbers[5]. Additionally, micro-plastics less than 300 µm, specifically around and below 50 µm, can be absorbed by human cells and transported throughout the body[6]. Data on the environmental and human health impact of microplastics in these ranges in seafood is almost nonexistent. We need to act now, studying the issue, establishing its effects, and proposing effective mitigation. This project is an important piece in the web of required information to make informed policy.

What are the goals of the project?

The project goal is to establish 0.3-0.05mm micro-plastic concentrations in the Florida Keys, we will be sailing various near-shore and off-shore transects while dragging a custom net system called a manta trawl. This device will allow us to collect floating micro-plastics in the 0.3mm-0.05mm range, which can then be analyzed to determine type and concentration. We will additionally collect marine life samples (e.g. plankton and mussels) to look for ingested micro-plastics. Not only will the sampling serve to start a long-term, micro-plastic concentration monitoring project, but it will also serve as an impetus to bring local stakeholders together through a planned workshop where preliminary data can be presented and discussed.