Major
Biology
Anticipated Graduation Year
2026
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Plastic pollution is increasing worldwide and persists in aquatic ecosystems due to its durability. In lakes, plastic can act as habitat for microbes, invertebrates, and fish. This study is part of a larger experiment examining how floating debris influences aquatic communities. Conducted in summer 2024 at Lake 302 in Ontario’s Experimental Lakes Area, floating plots contained either plastic litter or wood. After 56 days, biofilm samples were analyzed for chlorophyll a concentrations and biofilm biomass. Both were significantly higher on wood, suggesting plastic’s properties limit algal growth. These findings indicate plastic may be a less suitable habitat and could impact lake biodiversity.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Timothy Hoellein, PhD, Biology
Supported By
Jacob Haney, University of Toronto; Chelsea Rochman, PhD, University of Toronto
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Macroplastic Litter in a Rural Lake: Biomass Characteristics Relative to Natural Surfaces
Plastic pollution is increasing worldwide and persists in aquatic ecosystems due to its durability. In lakes, plastic can act as habitat for microbes, invertebrates, and fish. This study is part of a larger experiment examining how floating debris influences aquatic communities. Conducted in summer 2024 at Lake 302 in Ontario’s Experimental Lakes Area, floating plots contained either plastic litter or wood. After 56 days, biofilm samples were analyzed for chlorophyll a concentrations and biofilm biomass. Both were significantly higher on wood, suggesting plastic’s properties limit algal growth. These findings indicate plastic may be a less suitable habitat and could impact lake biodiversity.