Poole, Jared, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870, Poolej@susqu.edu; Ashcraft, Sara A., Freshwater Research Institute, Susquehanna University, 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870, Ashcraft@susqu.edu.
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic typically between 1-1000 µm. Microplastics can come from larger pieces of plastic degraded down to fragments, from clothing in the form of fibers, or as a byproduct of production in the form of beads. Microplastics have varying ecological impacts depending on size and form, and can travel at different heights in the water column based on the type of plastic. Therefore, precipitation and runoff may have an impact on how these plastics travel through smaller stream systems. I investigated Selinsgrove Creek will be taken 3 different sites, with 2 sample locations at each site. Samples are taken at 3 heights in the water column, and then homogenized. These samples will be gravity filtered through 228.6 µm and 23 µm filters separated by 30 inches of 1.5 inch PVC. Microplastics will be categorized by type for each sample. To account for precipitation changes I will be taking discharge measurements and collecting precipitation data from the Pennsylvania State Climatologist website. I hypothesize that after major precipitation events we will see more microplastics in the water column compared to normal flow.
Microplastic, Discharge