Changes in gene expression of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) exposed to microplastic pollution and increased temperatures.

Authors: Bailee Guernsey, Laura Eierman

SUNY Campus: SUNY Cortland

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 24

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: Eastern oysters provide many ecosystem services including biofiltration of nutrients, production of suitable habitat, and barriers to shorelines all of which lead to this species being considered an ecosystem engineer and a keystone species. Environmental stressors such as global warming and plastic pollution are increasing concerns for the health of the eastern oyster and it is important to understand the specific ways in which these stressors will impact this species. The objective of my thesis is therefore to determine how the genetic response of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to microplastics changes when exposed to varying temperatures. In order to study the combined impacts of these stressors, 80 juvenile oysters were exposed to plastic bottle leachate at an ambient temperature of 68 °F and 80 juvenile oysters were exposed to the same leachate while undergoing a temperature ramp. The expression of eleven genes associated with immune function and biomineralization were quantified. By the end of my thesis, I hope to have determined how gene expression changes in response to temperature and microplastics as well as determine if these combined factors will put this species at further risk in the future as ocean temperatures continue to increase.