Graduation Year

Spring 2012

Document Type

Open Access Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Environmental Analysis

Reader 1

Nina Karnovsky

Rights Information

© 2011 Annie M. Tran

Abstract

The characterization of neustonic plastic found in the Los Angeles River was completed in this study. 3 water samples were collected from the river on April 30, 2011 in Long Beach, CA using a 0.5 mm manta trawl. The plastic was separated from organic material, divided into 3 class sizes (0.5 mm, 1.4 mm, and 2.44 mm), and identified and sized under a microscope. Plastic was found in all three samples and categorized into seven categories. Paper, plastic, and styrofoam were present in all three samples. Styrofoam contributed the greatest percentage of the plastic found among the samples. Plastic film had the largest mean size.

Comments

Senior thesis submitted in December 2011.

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