Date of Award

Spring 5-7-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Marine Science

College

College of Science

First Advisor

Lauren M Stefaniak

Abstract/Description

Microplastics have significant effects on marine ecosystems. They can be consumed and can act as vectors for invasive species. Given their prevalence in the ocean, it is important to determine methods of measuring microplastic levels. However, some methods of sampling microplastics, such as net tows, can be challenging to use in shallow estuaries with narrow, winding channels. Instead, filter-feeding sessile invertebrates could be used as bioindicators. As internal mucus net filter feeders, ascidians have excellent potential to be useful bioindicator species. To determine if ascidians ingest microplastics in proportion to the concentration of plastic in the water, Styela plicata collected from Murrells Inlet, SC were exposed to concentrations of ~180 or ~400 one mm or one half mm microfibers per liter for two hours, followed by a three-day depuration period. Fecal samples were collected every 24 hours of the depuration period and digested for one week with 12% hydrogen peroxide. Seawater and processed fecal samples were filtered onto GF/F filters and microplastic content was counted. Total microfibers ingested was significantly greater in the high microfiber treatment. However, the proportion of microfibers ingested in both treatments was approximately 10%.

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