Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-)
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
5-1-2025
Disciplines
Biology
Advisor
Kristina Timmerman, Trevor Keyler
Abstract
Marine plastic pollution, also known as marine macroplastic debris (MMD), impacts many aspects of marine ecosystems. MMD is defined as macroplastic (> 5mm) objects that are deposited in the ocean and are found floating in the water column or washed up on beaches. MMD washup is significantly affected by ocean and wind currents. The Antilles Oceanic Current and the Trade Winds move west across the Atlantic Ocean, and thus were predicted to cause more MMD deposition on the eastern side of San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Beaches on the North (Graham’s Harbor), South (French Bay), East (East Beach), and West (Columbus Beach) sides of San Salvador Island were sampled using ten, two-meter-wide transects at each site. Transect length was measured from the water line up to the high tide mark. In each transect, MMD was collected, counted, and categorized. Data for plastic area density (1/m²) was pooled for each of the four sites and compared using ANOVA statistical analysis. There was significantly greater area density of plastic pollution on the East side compared to the North, South, and West sites. In addition, data for MMD categories was pooled from all four sites. There was a greater number of small, unidentifiable pieces, as well as bottles and bottle caps, compared to other categories. The hypothesis was supported, as the majority of MMD was deposited on the East side, where wind and ocean currents move toward the island. This study is beneficial for understanding the amount and impact of plastic pollution, as ocean currents carry macroplastics across the globe. Additionally, since macroplastics are subject to breakdown, this study offers useful information for future studies on the effects of microplastics (< 5mm) on both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Recommended Citation
Wiley, Dayna, "Life in Plastic? Not So Fantastic: Marine Plastic Pollution on San Salvador Island" (2025). Celebrating Scholarship and Creativity Day (2018-). 297.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/ur_cscday/297
