Microplastic contamination in the Alabama River and effects on Daphnia magna

Abstract

This thesis research focused on assessing microplastic (MP) contamination in the Alabama River and evaluating the impacts of different MP types on Daphnia magna. Chapter 1 was an overview of MP pollution including sources, ecological impacts, and rationale for conducting this thesis research. Chapter 2 investigated MP contamination in the Alabama River at which sources, temporal and spatial distributions, and MP load into Mobile Bay were studied. Chapter 3 focused on the chronic effects of three environmentally representative MPs: nylon and Kevlar microfibers and MPs made from a single use plastic cup on D. magna. Effects on survival, growth, reproduction, and MP uptake were determined. Chapter 4 was a preliminary risk assessment for MPs in the Alabama River through comparing the results of chapter 2 and chapter 3 using the probabilistic risk assessment approach to determine the bioavailability of MPs and potential risk to aquatic organisms in the Alabama River.