Mentor(s)

Anabela Maia & Amanda Solano, Biology, Rhode Island College

Project Location

Rhode Island College

Project Description

Estuaries worldwide are densely populated areas where anthropogenic pressures are often substantial. Microplastics are rising pollutants of concern due to high residence times and the potential for bioaccumulation. Microplastics have been found in almost all species sampled including humans and are hypothesized to accumulate in organisms at higher trophic levels. Benthic and pelagic fish of Narragansett Bay are not only important economic resources but serve as important keystone species in the ecosystem.

This project will assess the incidence of microplastics in different fish tissues in an effort to understand how microplastics are retained in tissues and also determine which fish species and tissues are better for biomonitoring of microplastic pollution. Benthic fish species of Narraganset Bay – summer and winter flounder, spiny dogfish, and little skates – will be compared to pelagic fish species – scup, black seabass, and silversides. For a subset of the species, different size classes and areas of Narragansett Bay will also be sampled. The whole gastrointestinal tract and muscle tissue will be analyzed for the presence of microplastics. Selected samples of microplastics will be further characterized using FTIR spectroscopy techniques. We expect the incidence of microplastics to be higher in benthic than pelagic species due to the fast sinking times of microplastics. We also expect bioaccumulation to increase with size and higher trophic level. For species with small spatial ranges, we expect fish caught near local point sources of microplastics to be positively correlated with high microplastic incidence.

Summer undergraduate research students will be involved in all steps of the project from species collection to sample processing and data analysis. All training needed will be provided. There will also be opportunities to develop educational activities to be deployed near local communities.

This project involves field and lab work

Required/Preferred skills

Some physiology background (e.g. animal or human physiology course) is preferred.

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? RI Center for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

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