As part of my research regarding which Florida coast
has more, if any, plastic I had planned on visiting the Florida Keys. Since my
time is limited I was researching which beach to visit on Key Largo, but
according to the Trusted Tours Travel Guide there seem to be few natural
beaches on the islands comprising the Florida Keys because the coral reef acts
as a barrier to the waves.
My theory: no waves hitting the beach = no ocean
plastic being deposited.
Hmmm...so how much ocean debris, especially plastic,
gets caught in the coral reef? What does plastic do to coral?
Over the next couple years I plan on becoming an expert
on ocean plastic, thus next year I would like to get scuba certified and look
for plastic in the coral reef along the Florida Keys. Before and after diving
I'd like to comb the man-made beaches for plastic debris left behind by
visitors.
Originally I had solely planned on using some of the
plastic I've collected during this project in a potted plant experiment to 1)
see how plants in soil mixed with plastic develop versus control plants and 2)
if the plant doesn't die maybe I can get someone to test the chemical
composition of one of the leaves or possibly fruit if I choose e.g. tomatoes. Now
I'm thinking I could do something similar with coral but will first have lots
of studying to do on keeping coral in an aquarium.
I've noticed small pieces of plastic in a couple of bags of compost I picked up at the local hardware store. I wondered about the possible threat of contamination to the vegetables that grow in it. I definitely want to know what you find out.
ReplyDeleteDe and I are still thinking of getting scuba certified, possibly early spring. I'm going to continue on the group rate search if you care to join us.
Yes, please count me in on the scuba group! Thank you. Your comment about plastic being in compost makes me think I should have three set ups: control plants, plants with beach plastic, and plants with plastic that does not specify it is "BPA free" (something I buy at a store and cut up into pieces).
DeleteI think that is very interesting regarding the plants. I will let you know if I find any garbage while hunting for sea grass beds, who knows the plastic could create some interesting results with my nutrient testing. I mean pressure treated wood was previously known for leaching contaminants into gardens, so I don't see why plastic wouldn't also.
ReplyDeleteOr the use of lead paint! Crazy how certain products have made it into households. Thank you for offering to look out for plastic while you are researching sea grass, I'd be very interested in the locations. Next year I'd like to also investigate rivers but I'm so scared of gators and snakes so will have to figure out a safe way...maybe get a jon boat.
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