MICROPLASTIC DENSITY AT MULTIPLE DEPTHS IN TWO SOUTHERN NEW YORK BEACHES

Abstract

Microplastics are a growing issue in all bodies of water worldwide, and their effects are finally being studied on a larger scale across the planet. Currently there are very few studies investigating the abundance of microplastics along the northeast coast of the United States. A total of two sampling beaches were selected based upon their locations, one being on the south shore of Long Island, New York and one on the waters of the north side. Along both beaches, five sites were selected at random along the wrack line. Samples of sand were collected at each site from six centimeter interval depths (0-6 cm, 6-12 cm and 12-18 cm). Microplastics were brought back on site to Purchase College and separated using density methodology. Microplastic density was higher on the Northside of Long Island, close to double the density as opposed to the south shore. A higher concentration was found in this location due to the beach being in a more urban setting. It was concluded that the 0-6 cm measurements produced the least amount of microplastics, and the 6-12 cm marks produced the most. There was much more of a site and depth pattern at the south shore beach, while the north shore beach was found to be more random.