Crassostra Virginca and Microplastics in The Great South Bay
Presenter Major
Environmental Science
Presentation Type
Oral
Location
Hays Theatre, Wilbur Arts Building
Start Date
26-4-2024 11:35 AM
End Date
26-4-2024 11:40 AM
Description (Abstract)
Microplastics have been shown to be a major problem in aquatic ecosystems as they can block the digestive systems of many sea animals, causing them to get sick and even potentially leading to death. Some of the sea animals that consume microplastics may also be vectors for entry of microplastics into the food web. Oysters have been proposed as a possible way of reducing microplastic concentrations as oysters are filter feeders and can remove small particles. Oysters filter about 50 gallons of water per day. In this project, experiments with the eastern oyster (Crassostra virginica) were used to determine drawdown rates of 2µm microplastic beads. Water from the Great South Bay was used as a medium because it is the location of many new and ongoing oyster restoration and aquaculture projects.
Related Pillar(s)
Spirituality, Study
Crassostra Virginca and Microplastics in The Great South Bay
Hays Theatre, Wilbur Arts Building
Microplastics have been shown to be a major problem in aquatic ecosystems as they can block the digestive systems of many sea animals, causing them to get sick and even potentially leading to death. Some of the sea animals that consume microplastics may also be vectors for entry of microplastics into the food web. Oysters have been proposed as a possible way of reducing microplastic concentrations as oysters are filter feeders and can remove small particles. Oysters filter about 50 gallons of water per day. In this project, experiments with the eastern oyster (Crassostra virginica) were used to determine drawdown rates of 2µm microplastic beads. Water from the Great South Bay was used as a medium because it is the location of many new and ongoing oyster restoration and aquaculture projects.
