Abundance of Microplastics Found in Commercial Sea Salt Purchased in the US

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Publication Date

3-26-2019

Year of Award

2019

Date Assignment Submitted

2019

Abstract

Plastic pollution in the ocean has increased dramatically in recent years. Despite this increase, the effects microplastics have on environmental health, specifically relating to ingestion, are unknown. Two previous studies found that microplastics are present in commercial sea salt purchased in Southeast Asia and Spain. This study will examine the abundance of microplastic found in commercial sea salt obtained in the US. We hypothesize that, much like the previous studies, microplastics will also be present in sea salt purchased. We bought samples of sea salt with various places of origin such as Italy and Spain from local stores like the Dollar Store, Costco, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Then, we separated microplastics and other contaminants from the salt by dissolution and filtration. Microplastics found on each filter were counted using microscopy. If the hypothesis is correct, microplastics will be present in sea salts from cheaper brands and from areas that have previously shown a presence of microplastics.

Publisher

Lynn University

Conference/Symposium

Lynn University Student Research Symposium

Contest

Oral Presentation

City/State

Boca Raton, FL

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Comments

Faculty Mentors: Dr. Alanna L. Lecher, Dr. Erika L. Doctor, & Dr. Cassandra S. Korte

Oral presentation delivered at the College of Arts and Sciences Student Symposium, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL.

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