Graduation Year
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
Degree Granting Department
Biology (Integrative Biology)
Major Professor
David Lewis, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Mauricio E. Arias, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Andrew Kramer, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Shawn Landry, Ph.D.
Keywords
florida, landcover, macroplastic, microplastic, runoff, urbanization
Abstract
Stormwater runoff is a major vector transporting pollution along the land-to-sea continuum, with the mobilization of nutrient pollution in stormwater runoff being well documented. Although plastic is a pollutant of growing concern, few studies have focused on the potential role stormwater ponds play in mediating plastic transport. This study uses a combination of watershed development and socioeconomic variables to characterize plastic pollution patterns in dry stormwater ponds (those not inundated outside of times of major rainfall) at a watershed scale. Each pond basin was sampled for plastics embedded in the soil and laying on the pond surface using a systematic grid design. Plastics were isolated from soil using sodium chloride (NaCl) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) density extractions. Soil nutrient extractions were performed using potassium chloride (KCl) and Mehlich 3. Plastic concentrations in soil and on the ground surface of the dry pond beds were both significantly correlated with nitrate + nitrite concentration in soil. This result suggests nutrient and plastic pollution are co-delivered from watersheds to stormwater retention ponds by the same or concurrent drivers. Final statistical models of plastic concentrations included population density, watershed area, fencing, and measures of homeownership; therefore, a combination of environmental and socioeconomic variables was useful in predicting patterns of plastic accumulation in and on the soil of dry stormwater ponds. Due to plastic’s uniquely anthropogenic origin, the incorporation of human-focused data may improve future studies that aim to predict patterns of plastic pollution.
Scholar Commons Citation
DeFillips, Carley, "Plastic Accumulation in Stormwater Pond Soils across Socioeconomic and Watershed Development Gradients" (2023). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10431
