Novel Detection Method for the Identification of Microplastics in the Sediment of the Penobscot River Watershed

Overview

Microplastics are polluting beaches, rivers, lakes, and oceans across the world. Due to their size, it is difficult to identify them and determine the extent of their pollution. This study focuses on microplastic pollution in the Penobscot River Watershed in Maine. Sediment samples were collected from eight different shores along the watershed, and microplastics were separated using density separation, filtration, and Nile Red dye. An image- processing program was created to determine the percentage of microplastics in each sample based on the area of 110 mm filter paper. Traces of microplastics were found in all samples. Deer Isle, the southernmost site, had the highest traces of microplastics. Dolby Pond, a site on the upper West Branch of the Penobscot River, had the lowest traces. Using Arc-GIS, population and human activity were mapped and examined. Sites with high human activity had higher percentages of microplastics. This project shows the extent of microplastic pollution along the Penobscot River Watershed, and how population, development, and human activity impact the pollution. These methods could be replicated by citizen scientists studying microplastics in their local environment. The Application of Clay Filtration Tablets in Remediating the Effects of Industrial Emissions in the Penjajawoc Stream in Maine McKayla Kendall Bangor High School, Bangor, ME New surface water data show continued impacts of industrial development along the Penjajawoc Stream in Bangor, Maine. The Penjajawoc Marsh and Stream provide valuable ecological resources, including flood control, filtration, and species habitats, to the Bangor area. Although slowed over recent years, the marsh area sees continued development pressures that could adversely affect vital habitats, as shown through an increase in conductivity levels after storm events. Additionally, new public testimony shows continued impacts of heavy metals in drinking water throughout the state of Maine. Prior research conducted shows that silver- nanoparticle tablets are effective in reducing the concentration of copper in water. This present study focuses on the effect of these tablets on conductivity levels in source water from the Penjajawoc Stream in order to see if the tablets would be successful in remediating heavy metals while also keeping the conductivity levels within the EPA recommended conductivity threshold. By first monitoring conductivity levels in the Penjajawoc Stream, results indicate an increase from the first site with a conductivity level of 116 μS/cm to the final site further downstream with a conductivity level of 318 μS/cm (n=12, p< .001). By spiking source water with controlled amounts of copper sulfate pentahydrate, the tablets were tested through the use of visible spectroscopy while conductivity levels were monitored. Preliminary results show that each of the tablets were successful in reducing the concentration of copper (80.16% average reduction, n=4) while keeping conductivity levels within the recommended threshold. Thus, this project provides the potential for a cost-effective way to remediate heavy metals in surface water without largely impacting conductivity.

Competition history

• JSHS 2022 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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