V a n e n e y '0 9 s e v e r n f e l l o w s P R O J E c t
Our project explores the phytoremediation capabilities of Chesapeake Bay seagrasses: common waterweed, wild celery, and common duckweed. Phytoremediation occurs when free-floating microplastics get caught on seagrass leaves, where they are broken down and sedimented by bacteria found naturally on the plants. Eelgrass (a close relative of wild celery) and common duckweed have been found successful at trapping microplastics; however, the other grasses remain relatively untested. Our project will explore the phytoremediation capabilities of Lemna minor (common duckweed), Egeria densa (common waterweed), and Vallisneria americana (wild celery). We aim to create realistic Chesapeake Bay environments where we can test the grasses’ abilities to break down microplastics using a UV/fluorescent light setup and vacuum filter. Ultimately, we plan to create a strategy for trapping and removing microplastics from aquatic ecosystems that employs the environment’s ability to remediate itself and can be implemented in vulnerable environments.
O U R Q U E s T I O N
How might seagrasses such as Vallisneria americana (wild celery), Egeria densa (common waterweed), and Lemna minor (common duckweed) be used through phytoremediation to trap microplastics in aquatic environments and how might this method of decontamination be successfully put into use in the Chesapeake Bay?
