Investigating the Effects of a Range of Microplastics to Fathead Minnows

Session: 46. - Plastics in the Great Lakes: Characterizing the Problem and Finding Solutions

Kennedy Bucci, University of Toronto, [email protected]
David Poirier, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Paul Helm, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Chelsea Rochman, University of Toronto, [email protected]

Abstract

The presence of microplastic pollution (plastic debris <5mm) is well-documented in aquatic environments around the world. While the body of literature surrounding microplastic pollution is growing, there have been few studies that emphasize the potential population-, community-, and ecosystem-level effects, and fewer still that focus on freshwater ecosystems. The objective of my project is to investigate the potential individual- and population-level impacts of microplastics to a representative Great Lakes fish species, the Fathead Minnow. I will do this by conducting several laboratory experiments to measure the effects of several types of common microplastics on hatching success, growth, and survival of Fathead Minnows. By exposing Fathead Minnow eggs to environmentally-relevant microplastics and their leachates, I aim to collect environmentally-relevant data that will be useful for motivating environmental policy. I will be using a range of common microplastic types, including: polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and styrene butadiene. I will use standard measures to observe the hatchability of eggs, and survival and growth in larvae to determine whether there are significant differences among treatments and compared to the control. Results to date will be presented at this conference.

1. Keyword
environmental contaminants

2. Keyword
pollutants

3. Keyword
fish

4. Additional Keyword
Microplastic

5. Additional Keyword
Ecotoxicology