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Microplastics Data Analysis

In this activity you will explore a database that collates data on microplastics found in water samples, learn how to use a database, evaluate your methodology and calculate some simple descriptive statistics. You will also apply your knowledge of microplastics.

Image CC4.0 by Envato Elements pic

Student Task 1

Go to https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/microplastics and click on the Launch Microplastics Map tool.

At the top, click on Display Filters.

Select Date & Location.

  • Edit the Dates are between to be a start date of 01/01/2019 and keep the finish date as the most recent date in the database (30/11/2022).
  • Set the Ocean is... to "Pacific Ocean".

Select Sample.

  • Set the Sampling Method to "Manta Net".

At the top, click on Data Table.

Looking at the table...

  • Using random sampling, collect 10 pieces of data from the Microplastics Measurement (density) column. Make sure you note the units. (It may be easiest to export the data in order to random sample the data and copy the numbers).

Go back to Date & Location and change the ocean to the Arctic Ocean.

  • Take another 10 random samples. (It may be easiest to export the data in order to random sample the data and copy the numbers).

Go back to Date & Location and change the ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Take another 10 random samples. (It may be easiest to export the data in order to random sample the data and copy the numbers).

Go back to Date & Location and change the ocean to the Indian Ocean.

  • Take another 10 random samples. (It may be easiest to export the data in order to random sample the data and copy the numbers).

Collate your data collection in an appropriate table.

Produce some descriptive statistics for the data.

Now produce an appropriate graph to show your data.

What conclusion can you make from your data?

Evaluate your methodology.

Student Task 2

Complete the data analysis on plastic in rivers  Data Activity - Graph Skills - Topic 1.2 - Plastics 

Student Task 3

Answer the following questions which focus upon the role of microplastic in food chains.

  1. Outline how microplastics enter the food chain.
  2. Explain how microplastics can be found in top predators.
  3. Evaluate what might be the effects of microplastics on biodiversity.
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