Lake sediments, paint, heavy metals, and plastic... Oh my!
Ethan writes: "This summer, I have been busy collecting sediment cores and sediment grab samples from Lunenburg Harbour. My master's research involves analysing sediments for microplastics derived from the breakdown of antifouling paints (and paint-associated heavy metals). Most modern antifouling paints are acrylic-based and will fragment into microscopic paint particles throughout the duration of their use. These paint-born microplastics, referred to as antifouling paint particles (APPs), pose an exceptional risk to benthic environments since antifouling paints contain harmful, metal-based biocides that are lethal to marine invertebrates (namely cuprous oxide and zinc oxide). When not out in the harbour, I have been analysing my sediment samples for Cu, Zn, and Pb with the XRF and plan to start extracting microplastics in the fall. In addition to my own summer field work, I have been assisting Janelle Halliday (who has been a big help in the field) with collecting green crabs for her honours thesis and have also been helping with monitoring the survival and productivity of Leach's Storm Petrels on Bon Portage Island."
