Mentor(s)

Carla Narvaez Diaz, Biology, Rhode Island College

Project Location

Rhode Island College

Project Description

Extensive production and usage of plastics combined with mismanagement of waste disposal has resulted in large amounts of plastic pollution in the ocean. Microplastics (MPs; plastic particles between 1 µm and 5mm; MP) are ubiquitous in marine environments, including biofilms and water column. Biofilms are complex microbial communities that form on the surface of animals, algae, and the sea floor (i.e. sediment, rocks) and have major effects on marine industries (i.e. biofouling or biocorrosion), biogeochemical cycles, and marine life. Microorganisms in seafloor biofilms are 3 to 5 times more abundant than in the water column and change the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the surface. For benthic organisms, like sea urchins, the ability to locomote and secure attachment on surfaces covered by these biofilms is critical for their survival. However, the influence of biofilm-containing MPs on the adhesive performance of these organisms has not been studied.

In this project, we will assess if the presence of MPs in the biofilm affects sea urchin’s adhesive performance. For this purpose, we will 1) grow biofilms on substrates in the presence and absence of MPs; 2) quantify the presence/absence of MPs in the biofilm of these substrates using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); and 3) evaluate dynamic (locomotion across the substrate) and static (attachment to the substrate) adhesive performance on the substrates.

SURF students participating in this project will be involved in the setup and execution of the experiment, as well as data collection and analysis.

This project involves lab and computational work

Required/Preferred skills

Students who are enthusiastic, driven, detail-oriented, and with problem-solving skills are strongly encouraged to apply. Aquarium husbandry and SEM experience would be beneficial, but not required.

Will the project require transportation to field sites? No

Is this project open to Surf Flex? Yes

In which core facilities might student conduct research? None

2024 SURF Projects