Graduate researcher Kate McLendon, a Ph.D. candidate in the University of South Florida’s Department of Integrative Biology, is leading a field study that looks closely at microplastic contamination in the region’s mangrove ecosystems. Her work focuses on popular Tampa Bay locations—including Gandy Beach, the TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, Fort De Soto and Upper Tampa Bay Park—where heavy visitor traffic may be contributing plastic debris to nearby waterways.
Why mangroves matter
Mangrove trees serve as natural buffers against storms, provide nursery habitat for fish and help trap trash as tides rise and fall. Researchers have long wondered whether the leaves of these trees act as “sinks” for microplastics—tiny plastic fragments that can originate from storm‑water runoff, washing‑machine effluent and tire wear.
Sampling leaves and crabs
McLendon’s methodology involves collecting both damaged and undamaged mangrove leaves, as well as the crabs that feed on them. In the laboratory, the leaves are rinsed into a beaker, the liquid is filtered, and the filter is examined under a high‑powered microscope. By also dissecting crab stomachs, the team can compare the amount of plastic retained on leaf surfaces with the quantity ingested by the crabs.
“Damaged leaves have little holes and scrapes from crabs and other insects,” McLendon explained. “Those openings could either increase the surface area that traps particles or, conversely, allow rain to wash particles away.” The study therefore seeks to determine whether leaf health influences the overall capacity of mangroves to capture microplastics.
Early findings
Preliminary results from the Gandy Beach site have already revealed a high concentration of tire‑wear particles on the laboratory filters. “It’s really close to the road, a road that’s traveled constantly,” McLendon noted, suggesting that vehicular traffic may be a significant source of the observed plastic fragments.
Implications for Tampa Bay
Understanding how mangroves interact with microplastics is vital for protecting the health of Tampa Bay’s coastal ecosystems. If mangrove leaves are effective at sequestering these particles, the trees could be leveraged as a natural mitigation tool. Conversely, if damaged foliage releases plastics back into the water, restoration efforts may need to prioritize leaf health and overall tree vitality.
McLendon plans to expand sampling throughout the season, hoping that a larger data set will clarify the relationship between leaf condition, crab activity and microplastic accumulation. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable insight for local environmental managers, policymakers and community groups dedicated to preserving Tampa Bay’s shoreline.
Community relevance
Residents who enjoy the beaches, parks and waterways of the Tampa Bay area can take pride in the fact that local scientists are actively investigating the hidden impacts of everyday plastic use. By supporting clean‑up initiatives, reducing single‑use plastics and advocating for responsible road maintenance, community members can help limit the sources of microplastics that threaten the region’s natural defenses.
For more information about the study or to get involved in local conservation efforts, readers can contact the University of South Florida’s Department of Integrative Biology.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
