Microplastics in Newport Bay:
Fluxes, Sedimentation, and Transport
Microplastic pollution fluxes across environmental spheres remains poorly characterized, particularly from watersheds to the coastal oceans and stakeholder investment in microplastic monitoring programs is impaired. A lack of methodological consensus and uncertainty about best data analysis practices were major challenges that stalled microplastic monitoring in Southern California (SCCWRP, 2018).
Phase 1 of this project is addressing these critical needs through the development and application of flux-based microplastic monitoring, analysis, and modeling techniques for the characterization of microplastic pollution in streams and coastal sediment deposits. This pilot study, performed in collaboration with the Orange County Public Works Department (OC Public Works) and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARWQCB) staff, will further the development of microplastic techniques while characterizing macro-and microplastic discharge from San Diego Creek and accumulation in Newport Bay sediments.
Phase 2 of this project (pending) will include hydrodynamic modeling of microplastics transport in Newport Bay and additional water column monitoring.
Students: Clare Muphy Hagan
Funding: California State Water Board and the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, USDA Hatch and Multistate Projects
Partners: Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, Orange County Environmental Resources, Phase 2: Matthew Brand (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)
Phase 1 of this project is addressing these critical needs through the development and application of flux-based microplastic monitoring, analysis, and modeling techniques for the characterization of microplastic pollution in streams and coastal sediment deposits. This pilot study, performed in collaboration with the Orange County Public Works Department (OC Public Works) and Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (SARWQCB) staff, will further the development of microplastic techniques while characterizing macro-and microplastic discharge from San Diego Creek and accumulation in Newport Bay sediments.
Phase 2 of this project (pending) will include hydrodynamic modeling of microplastics transport in Newport Bay and additional water column monitoring.
Students: Clare Muphy Hagan
Funding: California State Water Board and the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, USDA Hatch and Multistate Projects
Partners: Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, Orange County Environmental Resources, Phase 2: Matthew Brand (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)