Matching Items (2)
Filtering by

Clear all filters

132294-Thumbnail Image.png

Movement of Marine-Based Microplastics from Seabird Guano to Terrestrial Ecosystems

Description
Microplastics are defined as small pieces of plastics that are less than five millimeters in size. These microplastics can vary in their appearance, are known to be harmful to aquatic life and can threaten life cycles of marine organisms because of their chemical make-up and the toxic additives used in…

Microplastics are defined as small pieces of plastics that are less than five millimeters in size. These microplastics can vary in their appearance, are known to be harmful to aquatic life and can threaten life cycles of marine organisms because of their chemical make-up and the toxic additives used in their manufacture. Although small in size, it is hypothesized that microplastics can serve as an example of how human activities can alter ecosystems near and far. To investigate the implications and determine the potential impact of microplastics on a protected atoll’s ecosystems, red-footed booby (Sula sula) guano samples from six locations on Palmyra Atoll were acquired from North Carolina State University via The Nature Conservancy and were inspected for the presence of microplastics. Each of the guano samples were weighed and prepared via wet oxidation. Microplastic fibers were detected via stereoscope microscopy and analyzed for chemical composition via Raman spectroscopy. All six sampling locations within Palmyra Atoll contained microplastic fibers identified as polyethylene terephthalate, with North-South Causeway and Eastern Island having the highest average number of microplastic fibers found per gram of guano sample (n = 0.611). These data provide evidence that seabirds can serve as vectors for the spread of microplastic pollution. This research lends context to the widespread impact of plastic pollution and states possible implications of its presence in delicate ecosystems.
ContributorsAnderson, Alyssa Cerise (Author) / Lisenbee, Cayle (Thesis director) / Halden, Rolf (Committee member) / Rolsky, Charles (Committee member) / College of Health Solutions (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05

Detection and quantification of microplastics via LC-MS/MS analysis

Description
Current methods for quantifying microplastics via LC-MS/MS analysis have been adapted from environmental monitoring protocols and are often inadequate for sampling within complex matrices. This study explores the application of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the detection of microplastics. The initial phase of this research utilized pork kidney…

Current methods for quantifying microplastics via LC-MS/MS analysis have been adapted from environmental monitoring protocols and are often inadequate for sampling within complex matrices. This study explores the application of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the detection of microplastics. The initial phase of this research utilized pork kidney samples to establish a baseline for background and efficacy of sample processing. These findings underscore the complexity of developing a sensitive and specific analytical technique for microplastics in tissues. The observed discrepancies in contamination and replicability between samples emphasize the need for continual method optimization.
ContributorsBabbrah, Ayesha (Author) / Halden, Rolf (Thesis director) / Newell, Melanie (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2023-12