The effect of polypropylene on the formation of byssal threads produced by Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussels)

The presence of microfibers and microplastics in the environment is an ever-growing ecological concern. Accumulation of microplastics (plastic particles smaller than 5 mm) in aquatic environments and the subsequent exposure of these particles to organisms have been shown to have negative effects on aquatic biota. As an invasive, filter-feeding bivalve found across Indiana freshwater ecosystems, the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) serves as a good model organism for studying microplastics’ effects on physiological and behavioral functions of affected organisms. We have studied the impacts of microplastic exposure on a freshwater mollusk, the zebra mussel. We collected zebra mussels from Stone Lake, Indiana, in late fall of 2019. Individual zebra mussels were exposed to polypropylene rope fibers (concentration of rope fibers in the environment of one zebra mussel was ~400 microfibers per L) for 24-hour trials and assessed the effects by production of byssal threads, which are produced by the zebra mussel for anchorage and in response to predation threats. Results from a comparison between unexposed control mussels (n=70) and mussels exposed to rope fibers (n=70) revealed no significant difference in motility nor the number of byssal threads produced. Despite using microplastic concentrations that were higher than that found in the Great Lakes, a 24 hour exposure time may still not have been enough to significantly impact the animals. Continued research on the attachment strength of Dreissena polymorpha exposed to rope fibers will provide clearer evidence of any direct effect of these microplastics on the ecologically important mussel species

Impact of Microfiber Pollution on Planorbis sp. (Ramshorn Snail) Fecundity, Growth & Mortality

Scientific research on plastic microfiber pollution (synthetic fibers \u3c 5 mm commonly shed from our clothing and carpeting) has increased exponentially. Microfibers have been detected in marine biota such as lobsters, clams and fish, and can have effects on their physiology and behavior, but little is known about the presence or impacts of microfibers in freshwater systems. This study explored some of the potential effects microfibers pose to freshwater organisms. Data collected from Willowcreek Middle School students (Portage, IN) helped Valparaiso University scientists narrow their research focus from three different benthic freshwater macroinvertebrates, all of which are located in the Laurentian Great Lakes, down to one: Planorbis sp. (Ramshorn Snail). Snails were intentionally exposed to polyester microfibers for 6 weeks. Each week, snail reproduction and mortality data were recorded. Early on in the experiment, exposed snails laid significantly more egg sacs than snails in the control group. Exposed snails produced more young than the control group. Replicates that experienced adult mortality had significantly higher fecundity regardless of treatment. At the end of the experiment, biomass of young snails and fecal matter was recorded, and snails were analyzed for microfibers after being processed using the Fenton Reagent. While exposure to plastic microfibers appears to have an impact on these snails, it is unclear whether this is a positive or negative impact overall. More research is needed to understand how exposure to plastic pollution impacts macroinvertebrates to anticipate the changes that may be occurring in freshwater food chains throughout the Great Lakes system

Impact of Microfiber Pollution on Planorbis sp. (Ramshorn Snail) Fecundity, Growth & Mortality

Scientific research on plastic microfiber pollution (synthetic fibers \u3c 5 mm commonly shed from our clothing and carpeting) has increased exponentially. Microfibers have been detected in marine biota such as lobsters, clams and fish, and can have effects on their physiology and behavior, but little is known about the presence or impacts of microfibers in freshwater systems. This study explored some of the potential effects microfibers pose to freshwater organisms. Data collected from Willowcreek Middle School students (Portage, IN) helped Valparaiso University scientists narrow their research focus from three different benthic freshwater macroinvertebrates, all of which are located in the Laurentian Great Lakes, down to one: Planorbis sp. (Ramshorn Snail). Snails were intentionally exposed to polyester microfibers for 6 weeks. Each week, snail reproduction and mortality data were recorded. Early on in the experiment, exposed snails laid significantly more egg sacs than snails in the control group. Exposed snails produced more young than the control group. Replicates that experienced adult mortality had significantly higher fecundity regardless of treatment. At the end of the experiment, biomass of young snails and fecal matter was recorded, and snails were analyzed for microfibers after being processed using the Fenton Reagent. While exposure to plastic microfibers appears to have an impact on these snails, it is unclear whether this is a positive or negative impact overall. More research is needed to understand how exposure to plastic pollution impacts macroinvertebrates to anticipate the changes that may be occurring in freshwater food chains throughout the Great Lakes system

Quantifying and Analyzing Microfiber Pollution in the Salt Creek Watershed

Research in the field of microfiber pollution is important in understanding the types and quantity of plastic pollution that contaminate in watersheds around the world. Synthetic microfibers, such as polyester, rayon, acrylic, and nylon are present in clothing, blankets, rugs and other items. The shedding of plastic microfibers from these materials, especially in laundry water, has led to water and sediment contamination in watershed and surface water. In order to understand the microfiber pollution in the local Lake Michigan watershed known as the Salt Creek watershed, research is being carried out on water and sediment samples from specific locations. Salt Creek flows into Lake Michigan and carries water discharged from wastewater treatment plants in Valparaiso and South Haven. Water samples (500 mL) and sediment samples have been collected and processed to isolate and identify synthetic microfibers. Water samples were filtered according to total suspended solids (TSS) methodology and sediment samples were subjected to a density gradient to separate floating or suspended materials, including the microfibers from the sediment. All samples were further processed using the Fenton reagent, which generates oxidative radicals that break down natural materials. Synthetic microfibers are not reactive. Microfiber standards were created from clothing of different materials to verify the efficiency of the lab procedures and were processed alongside the water samples. The majority of the collected water and sediment samples contained microfibers. This information is being analyzed in context with sources of synthetic microfibers to understand the presence and distribution in the local Lake Michigan watershed

Comparisons of volatile organic compounds emitted from pure and weathered polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate

It is well documented that microplastics and synthetic microfibers are present in large quantities in the environment across the globe. Large plastic items break down into smaller fragments, many below 5 mm in size, which are then classified as microplastics. The long-term weathering of these microplastics in the environment alters their chemical make-up and structure, but the details of these changes are not well known. To simulate and study the long-term, natural, radical-induced weathering of microplastics in aqueous environments, specific microplastics, polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), have been exposed to ionizing radiation (Cobalt-60 gamma emitter) in water and salt water. The changes in chemical composition of these microplastics can be probed directly and indirectly. One indirect method is the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted upon heating. The released organics have been collected using solid phase microextraction fibers, then separated and identified using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. Significant differences between the irradiated and pure polymers have been identified. The full analysis of compounds will be presented and related to the chemical changes induced by the radicals created in natural environments

Quantifying and Analyzing Microfiber Pollution in the Salt Creek Watershed

Research in the field of microfiber pollution is important in understanding the types and quantity of plastic pollution that contaminate in watersheds around the world. Synthetic microfibers, such as polyester, rayon, acrylic, and nylon are present in clothing, blankets, rugs and other items. The shedding of plastic microfibers from these materials, especially in laundry water, has led to water and sediment contamination in watershed and surface water. In order to understand the microfiber pollution in the local Lake Michigan watershed known as the Salt Creek watershed, research is being carried out on water and sediment samples from specific locations. Salt Creek flows into Lake Michigan and carries water discharged from wastewater treatment plants in Valparaiso and South Haven. Water samples (500 mL) and sediment samples have been collected and processed to isolate and identify synthetic microfibers. Water samples were filtered according to total suspended solids (TSS) methodology and sediment samples were subjected to a density gradient to separate floating or suspended materials, including the microfibers from the sediment. All samples were further processed using the Fenton reagent, which generates oxidative radicals that break down natural materials. Synthetic microfibers are not reactive. Microfiber standards were created from clothing of different materials to verify the efficiency of the lab procedures and were processed alongside the water samples. The majority of the collected water and sediment samples contained microfibers. This information is being analyzed in context with sources of synthetic microfibers to understand the presence and distribution in the local Lake Michigan watershed

Quantifying and Analyzing Microfiber Pollution in the Salt Creek Watershed

Research in the field of microfiber pollution is important in understanding the types and quantity of plastic pollution that contaminate in watersheds around the world. Synthetic microfibers, such as polyester, rayon, acrylic, and nylon are present in clothing, blankets, rugs and other items. The shedding of plastic microfibers from these materials, especially in laundry water, has led to water and sediment contamination in watershed and surface water. In order to understand the microfiber pollution in the local Lake Michigan watershed known as the Salt Creek watershed, research is being carried out on water and sediment samples from specific locations. Salt Creek flows into Lake Michigan and carries water discharged from wastewater treatment plants in Valparaiso and South Haven. Water samples (500 mL) and sediment samples have been collected and processed to isolate and identify synthetic microfibers. Water samples were filtered according to total suspended solids (TSS) methodology and sediment samples were subjected to a density gradient to separate floating or suspended materials, including the microfibers from the sediment. All samples were further processed using the Fenton reagent, which generates oxidative radicals that break down natural materials. Synthetic microfibers are not reactive. Microfiber standards were created from clothing of different materials to verify the efficiency of the lab procedures and were processed alongside the water samples. The majority of the collected water and sediment samples contained microfibers. This information is being analyzed in context with sources of synthetic microfibers to understand the presence and distribution in the local Lake Michigan watershed

Quantifying and Analyzing Microfiber Pollution in the Salt Creek Watershed

Research in the field of microfiber pollution is important in understanding the types and quantity of plastic pollution that contaminate in watersheds around the world. Synthetic microfibers, such as polyester, rayon, acrylic, and nylon are present in clothing, blankets, rugs and other items. The shedding of plastic microfibers from these materials, especially in laundry water, has led to water and sediment contamination in watershed and surface water. In order to understand the microfiber pollution in the local Lake Michigan watershed known as the Salt Creek watershed, research is being carried out on water and sediment samples from specific locations. Salt Creek flows into Lake Michigan and carries water discharged from wastewater treatment plants in Valparaiso and South Haven. Water samples (500 mL) and sediment samples have been collected and processed to isolate and identify synthetic microfibers. Water samples were filtered according to total suspended solids (TSS) methodology and sediment samples were subjected to a density gradient to separate floating or suspended materials, including the microfibers from the sediment. All samples were further processed using the Fenton reagent, which generates oxidative radicals that break down natural materials. Synthetic microfibers are not reactive. Microfiber standards were created from clothing of different materials to verify the efficiency of the lab procedures and were processed alongside the water samples. The majority of the collected water and sediment samples contained microfibers. This information is being analyzed in context with sources of synthetic microfibers to understand the presence and distribution in the local Lake Michigan watershed

Using Citizen Science to Conduct Microfiber Pollution Research Within the Salt Creek Watershed

Citizen Science involves volunteers and scientists who collaborate to provide research to the scientific community while keeping the data accessible to the general public. Research on microfiber pollution in the Salt Creek watershed used students and teachers from Portage Willowcreek Middle School to serve as Citizen Scientists in order to increase environmental awareness and gather a larger data set. Curriculum was created to fit within eighth grade honors standards and was taught to three eighth grade honors classes. Before the data collection, students were introduced to the significant, worldwide plastic pollution problem, the importance of research, and the structure of scientific methodology. On data collection days, the students were accompanied by undergraduate research students and professors from Valparaiso University at Imagination Glen Park in Portage, Indiana to take samples and collect watershed data. The research team processed the samples and provided the students with pictures of the processed samples. Instruction was provided to the students on how to visualize, quantify, and interpret the results. Students were then challenged to create a controlled experiment involving microfibers and macroinvertebrates. Overall, students reported a transformation in their views of plastic pollution and their interest to create change. Through this project, it is suggested that by using citizen science within a classroom, teachers and scientists can both benefit. Many projects can be used cross-curricular, increasing student understanding on a number of science topics. Scientists can benefit by having new perspectives on a project as well as increasing awareness of current research

Clinical importance of acquired cystic disease of the kidney in patients undergoing dialysis.

From 1976 to 1982 five patients undergoing haemodialysis at Oxford Renal Unit suffered serious complications from acquired cystic disease of the kidney and two died as a direct result. Clinical features seen were pain, haematuria, palpable renal enlargement, massive haemorrhage, resolution of anaemia, and metastatic malignancy. The clinical histories emphasise the features of a disease that is likely to assume increasing importance in patients undergoing haemodialysis