Author Type

Graduate Student

Semester Award Granted

Summer 2025

Submission Date

July 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Tiffany Roberts Briggs

Abstract

Marine and coastal sediments are considered to be sinks for plastic pollution. The dispersal of microplastics through ocean dynamics (winds, waves, currents, and tides) may be dependent on the type of microplastic and sedimentation of the coastal environment. Coastal tourism significantly contributes to the sources of plastic, especially in the state of Florida. Microplastic pollution impacts all facets of the environment impacting ecosystem services, wildlife, and human health. However, few studies have been conducted to quantify the abundance and type of microplastics found in coastal sediments under different seasonal conditions. This project aimed to evaluate the abundance of microplastics in beach sediment in south Florida to be compared with wave energy and differing beach accessibility types. There are currently no known studies documenting microplastics in sediments in relation to high-energy versus low-energy wave dynamics in Southeast Florida nor evaluation of microplastic abundance within distinct recreational usage such as public, park, and private beaches. This study quantified microplastic abundance and variation cross-sectionally on the beach, assessed proximal water content for microplastics, and compared with beach use type and local wave energy. Study sites included three regionally similar, but recreationally distinct beaches located in Palm Beach County, Florida. The study sites were sampled multiple times seasonally in 2024 (i.e., summer and winter). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was explored as a method to identify and quantify specific polymer type of individual pieces. This study found that microplastic abundance is related to sediment mean grain size, the accessibility of beaches, and microplastic type (by shape) and size varied cross-shore with regards to beach morphology. Given the increasing pollution of microplastics, identifying the microplastic conditions along Southeast Florida beaches, will help inform conservation and management initiatives that can be established to protect these vital coastal environments.

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