Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Montclair's Aquatic Sediments
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Gregory Pope
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 2:15 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 3:15 PM
Description
The presence and mobilization of microplastics in sediments along rivers, streams, and ponds are of increasing concern due to their potential ecological and human health risks. This project aims to analyze sediment samples from two locations in Montclair, NJ, namely Second River and Edmount Park, to quantify microplastic abundance, and identify potential sources of contamination. The methodology involves systematic sampling procedures, including the collection of surface sediment samples near the two water bodies using non-plastic materials and subsequent density separations in the laboratory. After manually removing large organic materials, samples are dried, weighed, and subjected to density separation using a saturated NaCl solution. Microplastics are then filtered and identified using visual observations with an optical or electron microscope. By systematically examining microplastic pollution near Montclair's water bodies, this research contributes to our understanding of environmental contamination and human impact in the local community. Based on the outlined methodology and the increasing concern surrounding microplastic contamination, it is anticipated that this research will reveal significant quantities of microplastics in the sediment samples from Second River and Edmount Park, shedding light on potential sources of contamination in these local water bodies.
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Montclair's Aquatic Sediments
The presence and mobilization of microplastics in sediments along rivers, streams, and ponds are of increasing concern due to their potential ecological and human health risks. This project aims to analyze sediment samples from two locations in Montclair, NJ, namely Second River and Edmount Park, to quantify microplastic abundance, and identify potential sources of contamination. The methodology involves systematic sampling procedures, including the collection of surface sediment samples near the two water bodies using non-plastic materials and subsequent density separations in the laboratory. After manually removing large organic materials, samples are dried, weighed, and subjected to density separation using a saturated NaCl solution. Microplastics are then filtered and identified using visual observations with an optical or electron microscope. By systematically examining microplastic pollution near Montclair's water bodies, this research contributes to our understanding of environmental contamination and human impact in the local community. Based on the outlined methodology and the increasing concern surrounding microplastic contamination, it is anticipated that this research will reveal significant quantities of microplastics in the sediment samples from Second River and Edmount Park, shedding light on potential sources of contamination in these local water bodies.