Counting of Microfibers in Lake Allatoona Sand
Disciplines
Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Monitoring
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Microfibers are present in sand. This study examines six beach sites on Lake Allatoona in Georgia to determine the concentration of microfibers in certain locations on the lake. Each sand sample will be analyzed up to six times. The concentration may increase by location based on proximity to the dam as the only outlet is release by the dam. Samples are gathered in the winter when the water level is low such that the sand taken is truly under water during the summer season. The sifted sand is weighed and transferred using a salt solution to a separator where the sand and the microfibers are separated by density. An oxidation step ensures any organic matter is removed prior to further density separation and finally filtration, with microfibers appearing on a filter. Using a microscope, microfibers are counted for each sample. It is expected that more microfibers will be found south of the dam as there is less water flow from the south towards the dam compared to the flow of water from the northeast.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Chemistry and Biochemistry
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Marina Koether
Counting of Microfibers in Lake Allatoona Sand
Microfibers are present in sand. This study examines six beach sites on Lake Allatoona in Georgia to determine the concentration of microfibers in certain locations on the lake. Each sand sample will be analyzed up to six times. The concentration may increase by location based on proximity to the dam as the only outlet is release by the dam. Samples are gathered in the winter when the water level is low such that the sand taken is truly under water during the summer season. The sifted sand is weighed and transferred using a salt solution to a separator where the sand and the microfibers are separated by density. An oxidation step ensures any organic matter is removed prior to further density separation and finally filtration, with microfibers appearing on a filter. Using a microscope, microfibers are counted for each sample. It is expected that more microfibers will be found south of the dam as there is less water flow from the south towards the dam compared to the flow of water from the northeast.