Michelle (UR) - Microplastics, Oysters, and Filters, Oh My!

I am going to attempt to create a filter to capture microplastics before they enter the environment. The filter is going to be based on the way oysters filter water, since they are known to contain plastics. Oysters are pretty hardworking, with the capability for a single oyster to filter more than 50 gallons of water in a day. The water enters the oyster, and the pumping of the gills forces the water and nutrients through the stomach, excreting the waste (or, in the case of microplastics, not...).

Photo courtesy of Adrian B. Jones and Nigel P. Preston

I believe this pumping action is one of the keys to creating a viable filtration system. The filter must act more as a muscle than a traditional filter. I have been doing research into the use of static electricity to capture the microplastics. My research is still early, but an electrostatic charge could possibly attract the microplastic particles, preventing escape from the filter. I have also considered whether using a membrane-type design would be more beneficial than a traditional filter design.

Sources:
Chesapeake Bay Program. (n.d.) Oysters. Retrieved from  https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/oysters
Jones, Adrian B. and Nigel P. Preston. Biofiltration of Shrimp Pond Effluent by Oysters in a Raceway System." [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from http://slideplayer.com/slide/8732045/
Williams, Lyle. (2017, March 2). We struck plastic...Again. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://oce1001lab.blogspot.com/2017/03/lyle-ur-we-struck-plasticagain.html

Katie UR: Bacteria Loves You & Sharks

From the beginning of this class I was sure I was going to do a project on sharks. I wasn't sure what it would be t first but after awhile I realized that I really wanted to learn more about bacterial infections. So why not do it on bacterial infections in sharks mouths. Sharks harbor deadly bacteria that have been fund to be drug-resistant. I also wanted to look at all the different aspects on what can be causing the bacteria in the first place. I want to pick at least 3 kinds of sharks that live in human populated areas and compares those sharks bacteria swabs to the sharks that inhabit places that aren't in populated areas surrounded by people. My scientific question will be Is there more bacteria found in sharks mouths more serve coming from sharks that inhabit water that is closer to human population compared to sharks that live further away from human population?

I know I couldn't do all of the sharks that inhabit the waters in Volusia County so I am choosing to do 3 types of species and have an extra one just in case I cannot get the 3 that I want. The 3 sharks will be Blacktip Shark, Lemon Shark, and Nurse Shark.

Blacktip Shark
Carcharhinus limbatus

  

Lemon Shark
Negaprion brevirostris

Nurse Shark
Ginglymostoma cirratum

Since these are very common in the Daytona beach area I believe it will be easier to catch them. Everything will be a catch, swab and release process. I want to follow what Nathan Unger did with his Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Bacteria Isolated within the Blacktip Sharks.

Unger caught Blacktip sharks In February and April of 2013. Unger used a remote swabbing device that he places under the lower teeth and inside and outside of gums. He then placed the samples in a tube and put them on ice right away. I want to follow this procedure with the sharks I plan on swabbing. 

I will be using a Big game pro extreme 10 foot rod, with a 25 pound grade line. I will be aiming for juvenile sharks of the 3 species I have chosen. Each shark will be brought out of the water and I will have help with putting water on the shark continuously while the swabbing of the mouth takes place. I will swab the inside and outside of the gums and roof of the mouths and pace the swab in a test tube and put it on ice to bring back to the labs to test for bacteria. 

Its all an idea right now but once the procedure is more in place and is approved I will be starting on this project!

Karen (UR) Duckweed: A Story of Bioremediation

This is the story of the little "weed" that can; Duckweed.  The world's smallest flowering plant.  Lemna minor in the family Lemnaceae.  Obviously considered a "weed", after all it's common name is Duckweed..  In general, a plant is named a "weed" when it is a nuisance.  But is it really?  Yes and no.  Yes, because it reproduces like crazy.  No, because it has the ability to filter excess nutrients and impurities out of water. It's everywhere, in Florida, you can see it in almost every pond and reservoir.  That crystal clear water in those reservoirs, well, duckweed may be the reason.
Not only does it filter excess nutrients and impurities out of the water, but it is edible!  Animals and even people can eat it and in some Asian countries they have been growing it and using it for centuries. 

I think because I have been around horses my entire life, my interest in livestock and farming comes naturally.  Having lived in many different areas of the United States and also in other countries, I have seen first hand how difficult it can be for small land-holders and subsistence farmers to irrigate crops and feed their livestock. In many under-developed countries, subsistence farmers can not do both.  I'd like to see how Duckweed could be used for small scale farm holdings.  I'm not exactly sure of my scientific question, there are too many possibilities, I still have to narrow it down.

We know that pollution and entrophication from fertilizers and waste is a monumental problem. We also know that feeding livestock and people can also be a monumental issue. Can Duckweed be part of the solution?  There has been a lot of research, small scale and large scale, into whether using Duckweed as a water filter and fodder for livestock is a viable  part of the answer.  

The Missouri Botanical Gardens has a lot of information and links to some of the research.

The University of Florida, Center for Aquatic Plants and Invasive Plants has the Taxonomic information of the species most common to Florida.

Jenna Westfall (UR), The Sea Was My Calling.

I have lived in Florida for my entire life, that being said I practically grew up at the beach. Since my dad taught me how to surf when I was really little, its all I ever did growing up. I think just being over there all the time influenced me to pursue a career that dealt with the ocean. Volunteering at the Marine Science center and being able to learn more about such interesting creatures really had an impact on me, but it was when I got to learn about sea turtles that really pulled me in. Our oceans are beautiful and its so sad seeing what damage humans are doing to it. I haven't really chosen a topic for my independent research project yet, but I'm kind of liking the idea along the lines of how micro plastics affect sea turtles and maybe some ways to help prevent it.

This is a re-posted picture because it happens o be relevant to my topic. My parent and I doing a plastics beach clean up in New Smyrna Beach.

Cynthia UR Nature Bound

Narrow the research!!

Instruction: Challenge the single aspect about a problem using something within your reach, then test and examine this characteristic for further or alternative applications. Focus: In our water resources: Waste?, plastics?, and man enriched (anthropological) nutrients?  

How can we capture and remove in a fiscally responsible manor?

Now discover there are a vast number who pursue a similar purpose, and learn from their contributions, and create your own offering.

Sand Hill Crane

Using a common Water Hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes) known for its filtering properties in other studies, I will test its ability to filter/ capture micro plastics. This plant is introduced to Florida and quickly spreading; I want to perform the same filtering studies on the Water speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica); a Native plant with its own known filtering studies. Sadly my decision is still a work in progress.

Rachel, UR, Nature's custodian

Most people would agree that humans impact on the environment is negative. We seem to take natural resources for ourselves with little thought to how it will effect the other creatures that also live on Earth.  My goal in life is to not be this kind of human.  My first step to reaching this goal was to volunteer, so I signed up to pick up trash at a local state park. Once I saw the positive effect I was having on this parks environment, I was hooked. Making positive environmental changes became a passion that I have dedicated my life to. Just imagine if every person in America volunteered to make a positive change on a weekly basis?  Seriously, think about it. 

I know I will want to use my IRP as a reference tool for guests and volunteers when I resume my positon at the park. With that in consideration, most guests are interested in wildlife, and how they can observe/protect certain species. One animal that sparked many questions is the roseate spoonbill. My personal favorite.

Yes folks, the bird literally has a spoon shaped bill. It is awesome. Unfortunately, not many people know about this magnificent pink bird, or they will mistakenly call them "flamingos," especially native Floridians! Flamingos are native to South America, Africa, and India, not North America. Educating people about to this bird species is the first step to protecting it.

Jordan UR Blue Planet Creatures of the Deep

When I was 6 or 7, I can remember watching Blue Planet, episode 2, it was about the deep ocean, and I instantly fell in love with all the kooky fish and evolutionary adaptations. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be involved in the ocean somehow. I chose my field simply because I feel like I have a connection to the ocean, and I have to be near it at all time, why not make a job out of it. I have been surfing my entire life, which keeps me going, along with my love of reef keeping. Reef keeping has been the motivation I need to get through all my classes, there's nothing better than staring at a reef after a long day or homework. I care very deeply about coral reefs and the kelp forests on the west coast. Hopefully I will be able to dabble in both ecosystems with my research.

Photo Credit: Elliot Y Lim. This is my newest Moyeri Wrasse

I believe my IRP will be about microfibers in clams up in the inlets near St. Augustine.

Allie(UR) What drives you?

What do you want to be when you grow up? I'm sure just like me, many of you have been asked this question countless times as a child and young adolescent. Careers are not only important to have but more important for you to be happy and excited about. When I began the journey of exploring my interests and hobbies, this question stuck with me. Clueless and overwhelmed, I started with the strengths and successes of my academic career. English and history have always been my better courses, although I have always been more interested in science and math.

When I decided I wanted to further my education, I had to ask myself important questions pertaining my field of study. Two questions in particular stood out to me when making my choice. First, what am I passionate about? Second, what is a field I could be happy with investing my time and money into enough to attend college for? 

I am passionate about the world and being able to leave it a better place than I found it one day. This is what motivates me everyday to be the best person I can be. Discovering my field as well as my motivation was a process, but my passion and love for the natural world was always there. I learned to not allow my fear of failure distract me from expanding my limits, and to with my heart. 

Thousands of rubber tires found on the bottom of the ocean floor.

To me, this photograph says it all. As time unfolds, human beings have come up with new ways to live easier lives. For example, inventions such as vehicles and new transportation. The environmental impact on the world has been devastating. In addition to pollution, we have filled our oceans with trash and in result ultimately dangering our wildlife animals. An idea I was considering of IRP is the impact of pollution on the oceanic wildlife. I think this is a good topic to express because people need to be aware of the consequences of their actions.

Augustus (UR) - We are so Small, but Face such Big Problems.

I’ve spent my whole life fascinated by the world around me. Why everything works the way it does. Growing up I was a tinkerer, which is just a polite way to say I liked to destroy things and take them apart and never figure out how to put them back together. I took my affinity for math and science as a calling to become an engineer so I spent a good portion of my academic career preparing myself to become an Electrical Engineer until one day I was sitting in one of the hundreds of math classes it seems you have to take and realized that I had no passion for what was going on in my classroom or what was happening in the next class or any class that I was scheduled to take for the next 2 years. It’s difficult to spend your whole life preparing yourself for one thing and then to realize that it isn’t the path you were meant to be on, that you chose wrong. I needed that realization to remember what I wanted as a child, I wanted to find solutions to problems that affect us all and threaten our world. I want to help people and the animals that we share this world with. Environmental Science/ Engineering really gives me that platform and the chance to make a difference. It motivates me because I could possibly reach and help so many people and animals with any research I get involved in. Global Warming, Endangered Species, the unknown whether it be the ocean or space and everything in between are all things I could see myself doing now, I feel like I’m not restricted anymore.

We are so small compared to the universe around us,
 but our world has such big problems that need solutions

As for my Independent Research Project, I have a few ideas. I haven’t fully narrowed it down yet, but when I do decide, I want it to make an impact, I want it to be something that I can be proud to present to my peers and something that I could possibly continue to research throughout my career. I’m sure those are the famous last words of every science major, but I feel like my ideas are big enough to get me there.

Cynthia UR Nature Bound

I grew up in California where smog alerts were common place, waste and litter covered our beaches, species had been hunted to the brink of extinction for their fur; many including myself, would not accept these new norms. We are part of this beautiful natural world. I appreciate its detail.

I want to share and protect what is left. I chose this field for the same reasons so many before me did; for the singing bird; for the fish in the water; for the sake of our children and breathable air.

The earth my home, is priceless and not for sale.

Young Wood Stork 

Michelle (UR) - They say fortune favors the bold...

For my IRP, I hope to create a filter that works similar to oysters in filtering microplastics. This is an extension on Lyle Williams' IRP, which was incredibly eye-opening. In my own research, I learned that the majority of microplastics in the water come from synthetic clothing, since wastewater treatment plants can't filter them. I'm no engineer, but I'm going to give this a try. Failure is always an option, right?

I had originally come to DSC to become a teacher. After an internship, I realized that teaching was not for me. That experience made me realize that I needed to do something that I'm passionate about, which has always been the environment. I've been gardening for years, and I even have my own composting bins at home. I decided to get my A.S. in Environmental Science because it allowed me to learn a little of everything, instead of just focusing on one area.

Jenna Westfall (UR)- Shark Bait?

Ever since I was about 6 years old I've always loved surfing. My dad taught me when I was young and I grew up just enjoying being in the water and getting the thrill of dropping in on a wave. As a little kid you're always afraid of something. Well when I was 8 years old, I was out in the water one day and I saw a shark swim right underneath me. Let me tell you, that scared the living crap out of me but my dad told me they aren't going to hurt me unless I hurt them and I eventually began to like them and not be afraid. I'm and animal and ocean lover. I'm 18 years old and I have been stung by three jellyfish, one manowar, and pinched by a gazillion crabs but even that doesn't scare me. I love the ocean just as much.

One of my many jellyfish stings.

A stingray that washed up ashore.

I chose this field because the ocean means everything to me and I want to do everything I can to save it and all of the marine life it holds. I care about the health of marine organisms, the quality of their habitat and what might be affecting them. I think the thought of taking a sick or injured marine organism and making it healthy and stable again really helps motivate me. The ocean is beautiful and we should do everything we can to keep it that way. I love doing beach cleanups. Its sad seeing just how much garbage washes up on the shore, it just makes me wonder what else is out there.

My parents and I during a beach clean-up in New Smyrna Beach, FL.

Karen (UR) - I see dead people

I have always been fascinated with archeology.  Digging up (excavating) things that could be thousands of years old, WOW !  It's only been recently that I have become interested in anthropology as well.  A few years ago I was fortunate enough to spend a year and a half living in the high desert of northern New Mexico.  I was living on the Navajo Indian Reservation and the artifacts and history captivated me. So, of course, that's how I came to love Paleo-anthropology, the best of both worlds. 


I also love anything with fur, feathers and scales.  For my entire life I have had pets of all kinds. Armadillos to Zebras ! Horses are my true love though, well and dogs !!  I also am crazy about plants of any kind, especially trees.  I thought I would combine my love of animals and plants for my research project.


So, here goes.....
In many areas of the world, small holding farmers have a difficult time feeding their livestock and growing crops.  There are many reasons for this but one of the main reasons is water.  Clean water.  I'm not talking about drinking water, that is a whole other conversation.  Because of this difficulty, especially in under-developed countries, I will be researching the use of Lemnaceae lemna minor or the common Duckweed as a water purifier.  This plant can be used to clean water that has been contaminated with nitrates and phosphates (from animal manure and/or fertilizers).  The plant can then be dried and used for animal feed (fodder) or as an organic fertilizer because once dried, it no longer retains the nitrates and phosphates.  A dual purpose aquatic "weed". 

New Mexico

Shiprock, New Mexico
Navajo Sacred Mountain



Katie U.R : Sharks are Friends, Not Food !

If you asked anyone I'm pretty sure I first fell in love with seeing the commercials of the trainers performing with Orcas. I thought it was the coolest thing being able to spend your time working while swimming with animals that weighed a small truck (Don't get me wrong, after growing up and seeing the truth for the animals that are kept in captivity, I am against all of that!). Living by the beach also played a huge roll in why I wanted to Marine Biology. I chose this field because the ocean is still undiscovered. There is still so many things that need to be explored and I honestly hope to be apart of that group of people who get to. 

The ocean and the life that inhabit's it is what motivates me. The wrecks that have happened through out the ocean that have not been discovered is something I would really like to take part in finding. The ocean inspires me to become a better person for the world. It makes me want to help make people see that we cant keep throwing trash into it and that its not okay to not clean up the debris that is all around it. 

I care about everything in the ocean. I believe there are other things that are more important than other things, but I do care about them all. Sharks are a huge thing for me. I believe there is a lot going on with them that we are not made aware about. When I first got certified for diving, my first dive I went on I got the chance of seeing a couple Blacktips. It was a beautiful thing. Knowing that some sharks aren't so lucky to keep their fins was something that made me upset. Learning more about that is what got me into the whole Sharkwater stuff. Rob Stewart showed everybody what is happening in other countries to the sharks that swim in those waters. People are cutting off their fins and using them for food and other things. Some are even using the whole meat of the shark for things. 

Blacktip in BVI's 2015

Since I cant really stop people from Shark finning in a semester I think I want to maybe do my independent research project on the kinds of bacteria found in sharks mouths that cause bacterial infections in shark bite victims.  I might start out by going out on my grandfathers boat and catching and releasing the sharks that I am able to catch and do a lot of swabbing's on their mouths, and get as many as I can so I can do a range of sharks not just a couple. I also need to find shark bite victims that are opened to telling their stories on what bacterial infections they got. Just some ideas for now though! 

Jenna Westfall, UR- All About Me

         Hey everyone, my name is Jenna Westfall. I have lived in Florida for my entire life, my dad grew up surfing and fishing and as a kid he sort of passed it on to me. Growing up at the beach every weekend, feeling the calmness of the ocean and seeing all of the amazing marine life made me want to become a marine biologist. It has always been my dream ever since I was a little kid. Two summers ago, I volunteered at the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet and I got to teach kids and adults all about starfish and dogfish sharks. I think that basically sealed the deal for me. I am currently working on my A.A. degree and after I receive that, I will be transferring to Florida Gulf Coast University to get my bachelors.

The sunrise from my families condo in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Me carrying my surfboard up to the room after unpacking the truck for the week.

Awesome action shot that I took at the jetty in Ponce Inlet.

Niki UR Hi!

Hello! My name is Niki. I'm 25 and a Marine Science major, expecting to graduate next fall. I'm not sure which university i'll transfer to, or what degree I will pursue when I get there. I'm hoping the variety of classes in this program will help me choose my career path, although I would love to tie together my fascination with the ocean and sharks, and my love of travel and photography into a pretty awesome job.
I'm a born and raised Central Floridan, I've lived in the Daytona area for about ten years. I spent a lot of my childhood on the beach, and now I live two blocks from it. You really can't beat those sunrises.

One of my favorite sunrises from across the street from my house

I like camping, arts and crafts, yoga and science fiction. I have three cats and none of them are aware i'm not their real mom. One of my goals this year is to open up my own etsy shop. My mom is a seamstress and is teaching me all the sewing basics so I can make all kinds of stuff!

My three cats, Toulouse, Bagheera and Khajiit

Hannah Vu-Bennett (UR): Introduction

Hello! My name is Hannah and I am a dual enrolled student. I am happy to say I will be graduating from high school with my AA degree in June. I hope to transfer to either UNF or UH and work towards my marine biology degree. Eventually I hope to transfer into UF's Veterinary school and hope to specialize in aquatic veterinary.  My passion for the ocean, earth, and wildlife has inspired me to work in a field dedicated to conservation, restoration, and the study of marine life. Besides my love for the ocean, I also love to travel and hope to venture to more destination later in life. I love being outdoors and taking on new adventure. I can't wait to begin this class!

This photo was taken along the coast of Vietnam. The baskets shown here are used by the locals for fishing.  Fishing is an important staple in Vietnams economy, however, overfishing is common and very detrimental to the oceans ecosystem.

This was taken locally in NSB.

Augustus Sueck UR - Life.. uh.. finds a way

Hey everyone, my name is Augustus Sueck and I’m am really looking forward to this lab. My major is environmental science/ engineering, still teetering back and forth on the decision there. I guess if I’m going to introduce myself I’ll have to start at the beginning, I was born in Maryland and from an early age science and math were my two favorite subjects. Some of my earliest memories were getting up on Saturday and turning on the TV to watch some of the best programming to ever be on Television, shows like Bill Nye the Science Guy, Jeff Corwin Experience and of course the Crocodile Hunter fascinated me. From the first moment I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life, not necessarily have a TV show but to inspire a younger generation to get into math and science and just start to question the world around them and beyond. 

That’s where my passion came from and after messing around in college for a while I’ve finally remembered what I love and to make a career out of it. 

Beech Mountain in Banner Elk, North Carolina

 And as with any proper blog post I will leave you with a shameless post of my dog, Atticus.

Atticus relaxing at the beach

Ray, UR--Back to the Field!

Hello! My name is Rachel, but I do prefer to be called Ray. I have recently left my beloved job in the Florida State Park Service to finish my Bachelors degree in Coastal Environmental Science. I have only worked in Florida for two years, and you could say am just getting my feet wet when it comes to coastal ecology. I am originally from the Appalachian rage of Virginia, so Oceanography is a very new and exciting topic for me. I feel like I have so much to learn in such little time.


 Being a park ranger gave me a chance to work out in the field, which motivated me to finish my degree and hopefully return as a Natural Resource Manager.

Jordan Vagovic UR - Introduction

Hello all, my name is Jordan, I am studying to get my A.A. in marine bio, and transfer to UCSB hopefully within the next year for my bachelors, then masters. I grew up and live on the beach, so I am in the ocean almost everyday, I cant really imagine life without the ocean. I have a 90 gallon mixed reef tank that is basically a giant money pit, and something is always going wrong with it.

My midnight black clowns and tomini tang

I absolutely love coral and reef life, I would love to work with that, however since I am moving to California, I will probably just settle for otters. One day in the future I would like to start up my own marine aquaculture for fish or inverts. I surf, paddle board and skate. If the waves are good, I am not in class. 

Welsophyllia, my brain coral. My show piece 

Cynthia UR Nature Bound

The great blue heron

Hi, my name is Cynthia. Come join me while I pursue the realities and mysteries that surround us, that make up the creation we call planet earth. Uncover marvels of the physical world, learning to be part of, and beginning to know and understand. Since I was young I wondered at the beautiful formations, plants, and creatures that surrounded me; I learned their names and found out how and where they lived. They are part of me, and I now choose a place with them. 

Michelle (UR) - Introducing me

A combination of two of my loves: Halloween and tigers

Hello all. I'm Michelle. This is my final semester at DSC; I'll be graduating with a general A.A. and an A.S. in Environmental Science Technology. There isn't much to know about me, other than my hair color has a tendency to change often. I love gardening, and am a big believer in limiting waste and composting as much as possible. I love animals and have a fascination with tigers, dinosaurs, and sharks.

Current color. :)

Two of my three dogs; Sirius and Presley

I'm a dog person. Sirius is the big one, named after the character in Harry Potter. I hope everyone gets why Presley is the hound dog. If not, google it. :)
I look forward to a great semester!

Karen UR >> Introduction

Hi everyone,


I'm Karen and I am in the Environmental Science Technology program.  I received my A.A. from Daytona State in 2015 and came back for the EST A.S. program. 
I am a work study student at the South Campus (New Smyrna Beach) in the science department. 
When I complete this program I am moving to Colorado to attend Colorado State University to earn my Bachelor's then Master's in Paleo-anthropology.  Paleo-anthropology is a combination of Archeology and Anthropology, excavating and then studying human (sometimes) remains.

                
                                               I love the mountains and the high desert. 
 

Katie, UR--Can't wait to "Sea" you Guys in Class!

Hello my name is Katelyn but I usually go by Katie. My major is Marine Biology and I hope to teach it at a college level at some point in my life. The ocean is a whole other world to me. I spent the Summer after my senior year on a catamaran for 1 month exploring the BVI's and diving over 40 dive spots while also getting to see the effects of the coral bleaching that is happening there. Seeing oil spills, trash on the beach and trash in the ocean destroys my heart because of all the animals it is affecting. My passion right now is the fight against Shark Finning. I believe in everything Rob Stewart was doing for trying to put a stop to this horrific thing. If you haven't heard of Rob Stewart this is his website. I highly suggest watching Sharkwater if you haven't heard of or seen shark finning.


This is a picture of me in Belize snorkeling. I love diving and snorkeling. Any chance I have to be able to be under water I take it. I was actually here for a trip but we did a beach and water trash pick up with some of the local lifeguards. This also right after I just saw Christmas Tree Coral which just so happens to be my favorite coral!

Snorkeling in Belize.

Allie, UR--My Introduction

Hello everyone, my name is Allie and my major is Environmental Science. I'm excited to start the semester and this class in particular. I am very passionate about nature and the environment. I believe it should be preserved and protected by humans instead of exploited. My favorite thing to do would have to be adventuring. I love taking trips to travel the world and explore new places. 

This is a picture of a view from mountain Cheaha in Alabama. During hurricane Irma my friends and I spontaneously picked the highest peak in Alabama. We decided to spend a few nights hiking the mountain and hanging out by waterfalls. 

View from Cheaha, Alabama.