A COMPARISON OF MICROPLASTIC CONCENTRATIONS IN FRESHWATER COLUMNS**

Authors

Abigail Iacobucci, Piedmont University, Demorest, GAFollow
Debra Dooley, Piedmont University, Demorest, GAFollow

Abstract

This research describes the capture of microplastics (MPs) in different aquatic environments within the same geographical area. It was hypothesized that areas of more stagnant water would possess higher MP quantities. Replicate samples were withdrawn from the water columns of impounded and free-flowing aquatic environments within the former Lake Demorest, GA, U.S. lakebed. Data was collected through a systematic point count. Analysis revealed that there is a significant difference in total MP counts between the locations analyzed. The results are contrary to those hypothesized, indicating higher MP counts in the flowing water environment. This may be related to the surface area drained by the catchment basins analyzed. MP fragments were also categorized by color and shape. Further analyses will be performed to determine if significant variation exists between sites and within sites by MP color and shape.

Acknowledgements

Piedmont University QEP

Recommended Citation

Iacobucci, Abigail and Dooley, Debra (2022) "A COMPARISON OF MICROPLASTIC CONCENTRATIONS IN FRESHWATER COLUMNS**," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 80, No. 1, Article 16.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol80/iss1/16