| This study investigated the prevalence of microplastics in Shinnecock Bay and Jamaica Bay on Long Island in New York. Surface water samples were collected with a 200 mumicroscope. A total of 517 microplastic particles were found in samples from Shinnecock Bay (0-0.58 particles m -3), and 1,005 particles were found in Jamaica Bay samples (0-3.93 particles m-3). Particles were visually sorted by size, color, and shape. Statistical analyses were performed to analyze microplastic particle diversity, evenness, and any spatial or temporal variation. Attempts to determine source inputs were inconclusive, but it is likely that Jamaica Bay has point sources of microplastics in the forms of WWTP outfalls and CSOs, and Shinnecock Bay has nonpoint sources from land areas surrounding the bay. |
