![]() Through an analysis of changes in reef area and reef height, as well as mollusc coverage, density, and size-frequency distribution over a 5-year period, we compare the performance of low- and high-profile reef construction designs and assess the suitability of coir for subtidal oyster reef restoration. These designs differed in the quantity of cultch used and therefore overall reef height. In this study, we used biodegradable coconut fiber (coir) materials to construct a network of subtidal oyster reefs and evaluate two reef designs in West Bay, St. Current restoration practice commonly employs the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic materials to contain oyster shell (cultch) however, as scientists begin to understand more about the problematic ecological and health effects of microplastics in marine environments, testing alternatives to these materials has become increasingly important. Oyster reefs are among the most threatened habitats in the world having suffered cosmopolitan decline, and studies evaluating reef construction materials and designs are critical to their successful restoration and management. ![]() Our results provide a more complete picture of MPs in the IRL, a subtropical, shallow-water estuarine system. The overall mean abundance was 2.26 ± 0.16 MP/oyster, and the density was 2.43 ± 0.52 MP/g wet tissue weight. Abundances of MP in oysters were lower in the spring and in north IRL. MP (n = 3181) were found in 70% of examined C. South IRL water had the most MPs, likely associated with proximity to urbanization, inlets (MP sinks) and tributaries (MP sources). In total, 3755 MPs were found in 44% of water samples (mean density ± CI: 1.47 ± 0.09 MP/L). Microscopy and ATR-FTIR were used to quantify MP. To better understand spatial and temporal variability of MPs throughout the IRL, for one year, monthly surface water samples were collected from 35 sites, while oysters were collected quarterly from 12 sites. ![]() In a prior study, high numbers of MPs were found in surface waters and tissues of the oyster Crassostrea virginica collected from one location in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL, FL, USA). Microplastics (MPs) are a ubiquitous pollutant, emphasizing the need to understand their abundance and the factors that influence these patterns around the globe. ![]()
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