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Microplastic in two South Carolina Estuaries: Occurrence, distribution, and composition
Austin D Gray1, Hope Wertz2, Rachel R Leads2
1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27409, USA.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|March 25, 2018
Summary
Microplastic contamination was studied in Charleston Harbor and Winyah Bay, South Carolina. Winyah Bay showed higher microplastic levels in the sea surface microlayer, while both sites had comparable sediment contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing global concern, impacting marine ecosystems.
- Estuaries are critical habitats that often act as sinks for microplastics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare microplastic contamination in two developed estuaries in the Southeastern U.S.
- To investigate the distribution of microplastics in intertidal sediments and sea surface microlayer.
- To identify the types of microplastics present, with a focus on potential sources.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of intertidal sediments and sea surface microlayer from Charleston Harbor and Winyah Bay.
- Quantification of microplastic particles per square meter (sediments) and per liter (microlayer).
- Statistical analysis to compare contamination levels between the two estuaries.
Main Results:
- Average concentrations: Charleston Harbor (413.8 ± 76.7 particles/m² sediments; 6.6 ± 1.3 particles/L microlayer).
- Average concentrations: Winyah Bay (221.0 ± 25.6 particles/m² sediments; 30.8 ± 12.1 particles/L microlayer).
- Winyah Bay had significantly higher microplastic concentrations in the sea surface microlayer (p=0.02). Charleston Harbor showed a high abundance of black fragments, likely tire wear particles.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic contamination is present in Southeastern U.S. estuaries at levels comparable to global averages.
- Distribution varies between environmental compartments, with Winyah Bay showing higher surface contamination.
- Tire wear particles may be a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in Charleston Harbor.
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