The Reproductive Effects of Microplastics in Freshwater, Marine, and Terrestrial Systems
Katie Abare
Plastic is used as packaging, for transportation, and in construction, electronics, industrial machinery, institutional products, and textiles because it is durable, easy to produce, and inexpensive. In fact, the global demand, production, use, and disposal of plastic has created “throwaway societies,” which are defined by high consumerism and high levels of waste. So-called ‘microplastics’ are particles with <1mm dimensions that are either intentionally manufactured or created as a result of weathering of plastic waste in the environment. This can occur when macroplastics are photodegraded, embrittled, and/or fragmented. The light weight and durability that make plastic widely useful also make plastic highly problematic for removal from the natural environment. These characteristics, in addition to the chemical additives that are used to increase lifespan, have ultimately led to microplastic ubiquity. Microplastics impact the environment in a multitude of ways ranging from providing sorption sites for contaminants to chemical threats when degrading to physical threats when consumed. This presentation aims to critically review the available literature that examines the toxic reproductive impacts of microplastics on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial organisms. Such a review will provide insight on the molecular, individual, and population bases of microplastic-induced dysfunction. Commonly identified reproductive impacts include reduced oocyte quality and sperm swimming speed; a prolonged period to first eggs and first clutch; prolonged hatching time; and a decrease in the total number of clutches, eggs per female, and offspring per female.
Katie Abare is a junior environmental science major and chemistry minor. In addition to being a member of the Honors College, Katie serves as a presidential ambassador, admissions staff student worker, and peer leader. Katie intends to become an environmental scientist and contribute to global climate change education and mitigation.