Water Research Seminar | Size Selective Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) at Two Tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay

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Date and Time: 10-22-2026 @ 01:00 PM (EDT) to 10-22-2026 @ 02:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Online Event

Join us for another seminar in our Water Research Series, featuring experts examining emerging challenges shaping water, wastewater, public health, and infrastructure.

The registration link leads to an external website.

Description: Microplastic (MP) pollution threatens coastal ecosystems, particularly filter-feeding Eastern oysters (*Crassostrea virginica*). From winter 2023 to fall 2024, MPs in water and oyster tissues from the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers were analyzed using FTIR microscopy. Water MP concentrations were significantly higher in the Patuxent (558.81 ± 165.78 particles L⁻¹) than in the Potomac (351.71 ± 65.46 particles L⁻¹), whereas tissue concentrations did not differ significantly. Overall water and tissue concentrations were not significantly correlated; however, the 20–100 µm fraction showed a significant positive correlation (*r* = 0.69, *p* = 0.003). Oysters preferentially accumulated 20–100 µm MPs while excluding particles >300 µm. Fragments dominated both water and tissue samples. Polyamide was most abundant in the Patuxent, while ethylene-vinyl acetate dominated the Potomac. These findings highlight the importance of MPs <100 µm in oyster bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and seafood exposure risk.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand what factor controls the microplastic bioaccumulation in Eastern Oyster.
2. Connect microplastic pollution to seafood safety.

Presenter: Chunlei Fan, Ph.D., Morgan State University

Certificate: This training has NOT been submitted for approval of continuing education credit. We will provide a certificate of attendance to eligible attendees, but cannot guarantee it will meet your PDH or CEU requirements.

Who Should Attend:

  • Managers, owners, and operators of water systems serving less than 10,000 people, or wastewater systems with an average daily flow of less than 1 million gallons
  • Decision-makers for water and wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks
  • Consultants and technical assistance providers serving water and wastewater systems

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To register for this event please visit the following URL: https://morganstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_g3D3ujnQQE-_c2GTc99G1Q →

 

Registration End Date

10-22-2026
 

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