Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Quantifying Anthropogenic Microfiber Counts in the Little Harpeth River
Publication Date
2024
College
Sciences and Mathematics, College of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Matthew Heard
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Anthropogenic microfibers can pose a major threat to freshwater ecosystems. However, in many geographic areas, we have a limited understanding of their impacts. In this study, we examined how the presence and abundance of anthropogenic microfibers varied in the Little Harpeth River in Nashville, TN, over a six-week period in Fall 2024. Understanding how anthropogenic microfiber presence and abundance varies in this river are critical because it is commonly used for recreation and because it is a tributary of the Harpeth River, which provides drinking water to the city of Franklin, TN. In our study, we found anthropogenic microfibers at all sites and at all time points we sampled. Collectively, these findings indicate that anthropogenic microfiber pollution poses and important threat to the Little Harpeth River and that further studies should be completed to gain more insight into this emerging problem.
Recommended Citation
Mihalcea, Edi; Scarbrough, Alex; and Heard, Matthew, "Quantifying Anthropogenic Microfiber Counts in the Little Harpeth River" (2024). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 227.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/227
