Tiny Plastics, Big Impact: How Microplastics Affect Macroinvertebrates in Urban Streams

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

SPARK Category

Research

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Ross Andrew

WELL Core Type

Environmental Wellness

SPARK Session

Poster: 10:15 - 11:45am session for Biology in Beaman

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Richland Creek was monitored for macroinvertebrate biometrics from 2001 to 2012 (Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, 2016). Macroinvertebrates were collected in four tributaries, which were then given a habitat health score based on taxa richness, EPT, and intolerant taxa collected. This study found that macroinvertebrates are not widely supported in the Richland Creek Watershed (Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County, 2016). Given that macroinvertebrate species have varying levels of sensitivity to different pollutants, the lack of macroinvertebrate presence in Richland Creek indicates that this urban watershed has a significant amount of pollution (Bauer et al. 2007). This study aims to analyze anthropogenic microplastic pollution levels in three tributaries of Richland Creek and whether the amount and/or size of microplastics found in stream sediment effects the macroinvertebrate species present. To do so, 18 samples will be collected across all 3 sites – 9 macroinvertebrate samples and 9 sediment samples. Macroinvertebrates will be collected using a kick net, then placed into a container to be identified. Immediately after identifying the Order of the macroinvertebrates, they will be released back into the stream. Sediment will also be collected in the field, then analyzed in the lab for microplastic content. It is expected that tributaries with higher levels of anthropogenic pollution will have larger amounts of microplastics accumulated in the streambed, which would decrease the abundance of sediment-dwelling macroinvertebrates. Preliminary data shows that sites 1 and 2 both contained 6 macroinvertebrate taxa. However, site 2 included stoneflies and mayflies, which are more sensitive to pollution than other species observed at site 1. Based on this preliminary data, anthropogenic microplastic pollution is likely impacting macroinvertebrate communities at site 1. These findings could have implications for conservation and land management practices in urban streams.

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