The Grand Finale

Feb 21, 2016

207

The Grand FinaleIt may not be the last update, but it is the last episode of "As the Ocean Churns". I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it! I am getting a little sentimental about coming to the end of this project- not only has it been an incredible experience, but it has also connected and re-connected me to so many of you. Thank you for being part of this science! This isn't an ending, it is just a new beginning. Please feel free to contact me with questions and comments. Who knows- perhaps a Science Spiel episode can address any remaining uncertainty...

 https://youtu.be/SlXqltc4STM

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John L Richard

Very good Heather! I see a lot of hard work and time, but well worth it I am sure!

Feb 22, 20160

Patricia BedellBacker

Such a great video--very informative, (although I don't know I understood all of it!) very entertaining with music and humor. I loved it!

Feb 22, 20161

Josslyn MackeBacker

Wow! What a finale! Congrats on moving forward with your career. Change is great. Glad I joined Experiment and most proud of you as a role model for other scientist. You will do well!

Feb 22, 20160

Heather RichardResearcher

Thanks so much! You were absolutely right about the glass being negatively charged, well, I think it's the most likely explanation anyway. Thanks for your kind words :-)

Feb 22, 20160

Barbara StorckBacker

Oh yeah!! Now I get it?!?! Very satisfying ending!

Feb 22, 20161

About This Project

Are biofilms responsible for heavy metals on plastic debris?

San Francisco State University

I want to know how ocean bacteria and algae that live on plastic debris influence the toxins plastic picks up.

Plastic debris picks up chemical pollution like heavy metals, pesticides and flame retardants from the water. These are toxins which then could be transferred to marine life, and possibly the seafood we eat.

Plastic is colonized by bacteria and algae the minute it gets into the water, and these cells form a mucus film, similar to plaque on our teeth, called a biofilm. We know biofilms alter the way chemicals stick to sediment particles, but exactly how these organisms alter the way plastic debris attracts and accumulates chemical pollutants remains a mystery. We need to find out so we can make more informed estimates about plastic as a potential source of toxins for marine life.