Marine expert visits Farragut to talk about microplastics

Last week, a little more than 50 students attended a presentation on microplastics by Libby Carnahan from the Florida Sea Grant. The presentation, which was hosted by the Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center, was held in the Roy M. Speer Academic Center.

The theme of Carnahan’s presentation was Plastic in My Toothpaste?! Facts and Fiction about Microplastics. During the speech, she explained how the abundance of microplastics in everyday products leads to pollution in our fresh and saltwater bodies.

Carnahan is the UF/IFAS Extension, Florida Sea Grant Agent with Pinellas County.  In her position, she connects Tampa Bay communities, governments, and industries with beneficial science-based marine and coastal research.

“It was really interesting to hear about how certain types of toothpastes and soaps have these microplastics in them that can ultimately have such a negative effect on the seawater,” said Dylan Miksch ‘20. “Having an expert like that come on campus and discuss it from a first person perspective makes you realize how each and every person can do something to change the world.”