Invasion of the Microplastics!

Overview

Objectives/Goals test environment waters to see if plastic microfibers are in waterways and water sources. hypothesis: there are microplastics in waterways leading to Monterey Bay. Methods/Materials 13 gallon jugs 1 glass measuring cup 1 clear plastic sheet with printed grid 1 plastic funnel (1.1 cm diameter spout) 1 microscope (Leica# MZ6 dissecting microscope w/light, 6.3-40x magnification) 1 microscope eyepiece camera (AmScope# Microscope Eyepiece Camera 50 mA USB 2.0 DC 5v) 13 plates 13 coffee filters (basket style, approx. 6 micron filter) 1 permanent marker 2 gallons of Arrowhead# Distilled Water 13 Ziploc# Pint Containers (used as filter covers for storage) 1 measuring collection bottle (Nalgene# 13 oz) 1 roll of painter#s tape 1 rubber band Collect samples with measuring cup, fill one gallon jug Record time and location on jug Wash out funnel with distilled water, clean grid with painter#s tape if necessary Filter water samples Analyze water samples under microscope with plastic grid on top of the filter Scan filter square-by-square at 30-40x magnification, counting numbers of fibers Record results Results Microfibers found in every water sample, including those from beaches, rivers and creeks, residential water and water treatment plant effluent.