Evaluating the Presence and Socio-Economic Impact of Microplastics in the Tidal Marshes of Otter Point Creek

Abstract

Microfibers are a type of microplastic that are <5um in size. They originate from degraded plastic waste, as well as from synthetic textiles. They are a significant problem in marine and freshwater ecosystems. To investigate the extent of the problem in Otter Point Creek, I collected sediment and water samples to examine for the presence of microfibers during the month of June 2019. Microplastics were found in all samples that were collected at Otter Point Creek. In addition, I created a project on Ancedata in order to gauge the awareness of the local communities' knowledge regarding microplastic pollution at Otter Point Creek as well as determining the socio-economic impact use the trade-cost-method. Participants were able to survey their activities, the level of knowledge regarding plastic pollution in the estuary and answer questions relating to their current socio-economic situation. As this is the first comprehensive study to examine the presence of microplastics in the tidal marshes of Otter Point Creek, this study will further the understanding of the consequences of anthropogenic litter that unknowingly enters freshwater systems.