The Presence of Microplastics in Nashville’s Freshwater Aquatic Environments

Publication Date

2025

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

SPARK Category

Research

Faculty Advisor

Ross Andrew

WELL Core Type

Environmental Wellness

SPARK Session

10:15-11:45

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Microplastic prevalence within fish populations as a result of pollution is an emerging environmental concern, but lacks scrutiny regarding freshwater ecosystems. This study investigates the prevalence of microplastics in fish from the Richland Creek tributary of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee. Given the limited research on freshwater microplastics in this region, this study aims to determine the incidence of microplastic contamination within local fish populations. Fish samples were collected using electrofishing and humanely euthanized using MS-222. Intestinal tracts were extracted via dissection, dried, and chemically digested using wet peroxide oxidation to isolate microplastics. The microplastics were then classified based on size, shape, and composition under a microscope. Findings were compared to existing studies to assess contamination levels and patterns. This research provides critical insights into microplastic pollution in freshwater systems and highlights the broader environmental impact of human waste management practices. The expected outcome of this study is that there are microplastics within the freshwater fishes that reside in the tributaries of the Cumberland River.

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