Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating DebrisKatherine M. Martin 1, Elizabeth A. Hasenmueller 2, John R. White 3, Lisa G. Chambers 4, Jeremy L. Conkle 1
1Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 2Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Saint Louis University, 3Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, 4Department of Biology, University of Central Florida
Most microplastic research to date has occurred in marine systems where suspended solid levels are relatively low. Focus is now shifting to freshwater systems, which may feature high sediment loads and floating debris. This protocol addresses collecting and analyzing microplastic samples from aquatic environments that contain high suspended solid loads.
