FIU Researchers Find Microplastics in Biscayne Bay & Florida Bay

Microplastic poses a growing concern in oceans and other aquatic habitat. (Image by 5Gyres, courtesy of Oregon State University)
Microplastic poses a growing concern in oceans and other aquatic habitat. (Image by 5Gyres, courtesy of Oregon State University)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes microplastics as small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long. Microplastics can takes several forms:

  • primary microplastics (a/k/a microbeads) that are used in the manufacture of plastic products or as abrasives in other products,
  • secondary microplastics which come from plastic trash breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces; and
  • microfibers – synthetic filaments used to make our polyester, nylon, spandex & other types of fabrics.

Whatever their form and whatever their source, microplastics pose environmental problems for wildlife and humans – and now high levels of a specific type of microplastic has been found in our Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay.

University of Florida researchers investigating algae in southern Biscayne Bay and northeast Florida Bay over the last two years made an unexpected discovery halfway through their work: high levels of tiny shards of blue-tinted microplastics.

The microplastics appeared in dense amounts, like an algae mat, that the researchers fear could be consumed by wildlife.

According to WLRN’s Jenny Staletovich, researchers were studying the affects of freshwater on the micro plankton in north Florida Bay when they found the microplastics “in amounts of 10,000 to 20,000 particles per liter”.

A material science professor who looked at the plastics identified them as polystyrene, and coming from a specific kind. Polystyrene is used to make styrofoam cups and food containers. “It’s hard to pinpoint what the plastic was, because what we’re seeing is fragments.

We’re not seeing the original plastic material. But it was very consistent,” he said. “There was one type of plastic. It wasn’t like multiple different kinds.”

With the findings, [Edward Phlips, a UF fisheries professor and lead author of the study published in Scientific Reports last month], said it might be time to add plastics monitoring and set limits.

Read the full article here: Researchers Find Potential New Threat To Biscayne And Florida Bays: Microplastics

Biscayne Bay

Biscayne Bay is Miami’s most vital quality of life asset, and it’s the mainstay of our economy.

Irela Bague, Chair of the Biscayne Bay Task Force

September 22: Pivoting School Sustainability Programming in the Time of COVID

photo courtesy: U.S. Green Building Council

Date: Tuesday, September 22 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST

The school year is under way but so much is different this fall. Four green school district champions will share how they’ve shifted their educational and behavior change programming to take advantage of opportunities for outdoor learning, home-based engagement activities, energy auditing, and online zero waste education. Join us for our final event in the Sustainability COVID series to hear about lessons learned and new ideas for keeping sustainability programming moving forward in a realistic way this next school year.

Presenters

  • Tresine Logsdon, Energy & Sustainability Curriculum Coordinator, Fayette County Public Schools
  • Caroline Coster, Energy Manager, Metro Nashville Public Schools
  • Amanda Mortl, Zero Waste Specialist, Austin Unified Public Schools
  • Ghita Carroll, Sustainability Coordinator, Boulder Valley School District

More information:

We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.

Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.

The Center for Green Schools

September 15: Biscayne Bay Task Force Report & Recommendations

Join Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins (District 5) and Irela Bague, Chair of the Biscayne Bay Task Force, as they discuss the Biscayne Bay Task Force Report & Recommendations, release in June 2020. The report and recommendations proved to be horrifyingly prescient in light of the Biscayne Bay fish kill last month.

September 15: Mental Health & Resiliency in the Time of COVID

photo courtesy: U.S. Green Building Council

Date: Tuesday, September 15 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST

The pandemic has taken a significant toll on people’s mental health, especially those working in schools. Presenters from the Green Schools National Network and districts across the country will help webinar attendees understand the importance of sustaining one’s own health and wellness as well as provide examples of social emotional programming that could be used to support teachers, school staff, students and the broader school community manage through this stressful time.

This webinar is the fourth in a five part series focused on keeping sustainability alive in k12 schools during COVID. We are excited to co-host this event with the Green Schools National Network.

More upcoming webinars 

More information:

We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.

Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.

The Center for Green Schools

Saving Biscayne Bay – Afterword

Silver Bluffs and Biscayne Bay

Earlier this evening, I watched Louise Aguirre’s special “Saving Biscayne Bay” on WPLG Local 10; and participated in the Facebook Live town hall with FIU Institute of Environment researchers:

  • Dr. Tiffany Troxler, Associate Director of Science, Sea Level Solutions Center & Member of the Biscayne Bay Task Force
  • Dr. Thomas Frankovich, Research Assistant Professor, Southeast Environmental Research Center
  • Dr. Todd Crowl, Executive Director, Institute of Environment
  • Dr. James Fortrum, Director of Oceans & Coastlines Division
  • Dr. Piero Gardinali, Director of the Freshwater Resources Division, Southeast Environmental Research Center
  • Dr. Ligia Collado-Vides, Senior Lecturer, Associate Chair, Department of Biological Sciences

It was an amazing an informative hour and a half, and I highly recommend for everyone to watch for themselves.

While tonight’s event was prompted by the fish kill in Biscayne Bay last month, the underlying causes have been a matter of great concern for a long, long, long time.

“Saving Biscayne Bay” focused on the immediate crisis of the fish kill and some of its causes, including sewage leaks/spills and pollution. Images of piles of plastic & other pollution in Little River & San Souci canals was particularly disturbing.

The town hall went into those causes a bit deeper with experts from FIU’s Institute of Environment taking audience questions.

In response to overwhelming audience requests, the latter part of the town hall including recommendations for what we, as ordinary citizens, can do to help save our Biscayne Bay. Suggestions included reduction/elimination of fertilizers (especially from May through September) and the use of native landscaping; don’t through grass clipping, palm fronds or other yard debris into the waterways, reporting clogged storm drains, and education.


Resources

Saving Biscayne Bay

Tonight at 8:00 p.m., ABC Local 10 Miami will be airing a special half-hour broadcast: “Saving Biscayne Bay”.

Local 10 environmental advocate Louis Aguirre investigates the issues Biscayne Bay is now facing, how we got to this point, and how we as a community can change the Bay’s future.

https://twitter.com/FIUCASE/status/1300865589582364678?s=20

Immediately following @WPLGLocal10’s special on Saving Biscayne Bay (9/2 @ 8 p.m.), we will host a town hall on Facebook Live on what is happening in the Bay.

@LOUISAGUIRRE will take your questions and our @FIU researchers will provide answers LIVE

FIU

A Street

A street is a spatial entity and not the residue between buildings.

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September 1: Recycling and Composting in the Time of COVID

photo courtesy: U.S. Green Building Council

Date: Tuesday, September 1 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST

Keeping on track with recycling and composting goals is a challenge in normal times, but the increased packaging, eating in the classroom, and PPE waste, as a result of COVID, is creating real issues for sustainability champions. Hear how school systems are proactively responding by pivoting recycling education, food reuse programs, and collection systems to ensure their programs stay on track.

Presenters:

  • Rina Fa’amoe-Cross, Resource Conservation Specialist, Seattle Public Schools
  • Kathleen Corrardi, Zero Waste Program Manager, New York City Dept of Education

More upcoming webinars 

More information:

We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.

Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.

The Center for Green Schools

August 25: Energy and IAQ in the Time of COVID

photo courtesy: U.S. Green Building Council

Date: Tuesday, August 25 | Time: 3-4 p.m. EST

As schools discuss how to reopen safely, all eyes are on indoor air quality. Join this webinar to hear how energy and facilities staff are shifting operations and maintenance of their school buildings and what new technologies are being considered for providing healthier spaces. Presenters will also discuss the ongoing challenge of balancing energy conservation and health goals during this pandemic.

Presenters:

  • Shannon Oliver, Assistant Director of Energy & Sustainability, Adams 12 – Five Star Schools
  • Chris Ralston, Facilities Manager, San Juan Unified School District
  • David Sturtz, Partner, Coop Strategies

More upcoming webinars 

More information:

We believe that all students deserve to attend sustainable schools that enhance their health and prepare them for 21st century careers.

Our work brings sustainability to life in the classroom and encourages communities to work together toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. We welcome you to learn and to advance the green schools movement along with us.

The Center for Green Schools