Preserving Our Wetlands From Plastic Pollution

If you have been to UCF’s Orlando campus, chances are you have walked along the boardwalk through the Student Union Cypress Dome. You have also probably witnessed the fallout of graduation photoshoot confetti, or noticed the litter left behind by students. We all know plastic pollution is a problem, but did you know that plastics can be found at the microscopic level?

Microplastics are less than 5 millimeters in length, and typically sourced from degraded larger plastic debris. Microplastics are nearly impossible to eliminate because of their size. The presence of microplastics in aquatic systems can not only damage macro-organisms – such as fish, amphibians, and birds – but can also disrupt highly sensitive biogeochemical cycles driven by microbial communities. Unfortunately, the accumulation of microplastics in the form of confetti and larger plastic litter has not only affected the Student Union Cypress Dome and caused the vegetation to lose its beauty, but it has the potential to sicken or drive away the fauna that call the cypress dome home.

Biodiversity in an ecosystem is seriously impacted when pollution contaminates, and, as proud UCF Knights, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve our wetlands. So please:

• Save your trash until you find the nearest receptacle.
• Opt for paper confetti (or none at all) when planning your graduation photo shoots.
• Volunteer for trash cleanups with Wetlands Club.
• Join the Wetlands Club @ UCF to stay informed about the health of the cypress dome & future dome cleanups!