The effects of microplastic on the thermal profile of sand: implications for marine turtle nesting grounds

IntroductionMicroplastics (i.e., plastic debris smaller than 5mm) found in coastal areas can impact the marine habitat used by endangered species since they may alter sand properties including temperature and permeability. Such alterations may pose a significant threat to marine turtle populations as nest productivity, sexual development, and hatchling fitness are dependent on conditions within the nest, which incubate in the sand. Given that there is a record of microplastic presence at marine turtle nesting sites, this study was conducted to explore the potential influence of microplastics on the thermal profile of sediment typical of marine turtle nesting habitat. MethodsThe experiment was conducted at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory where the temperatures of containers of sand mixed with 5-30% v/v of either black or white microplastics were recorded from July to September 2018. ResultsThe addition of microplastics in the sand resulted in an increase in temperature - 0.017 degrees C for each 1% v/v increase in microplastic. However, the color of the microplastic did not have a significant effect on sand temperature. Overall, the container with 30% v/v black particles had the highest mean temperature increase of 0.58 degrees C (+/- 0.34 degrees C) over the control. DiscussionThe results obtained from this study indicate that extreme concentrations of microplastics could be an issue for marine turtles as any changes in sand temperature may affect the sex ratio of hatchlings and/or alter nest productivity.

Automated summary

This study found that microplastics found in coastal areas can alter the properties of sand, including temperature, which may have an impact on the marine habitat used by endangered species such as marine turtles. The addition of microplastics to sand led to an increase in temperature, potentially affecting nest productivity and hatchling fitness.