Data for: Evidence of microplastics from benthic jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) in Florida estuaries
Description
Here, we report the presence of microplastics in the benthic, upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana) across three estuaries in Florida. Out of 115 specimens analyzed, 77% contained microplastics. Bell diameter and number of plastics per individual varied significantly across locations with the highest plastic densities and bell diameter observed in individuals from Big Pine Key, followed by Jupiter and Sarasota. Fourier-transform interferometer analysis confirmed that synthetic microfibers were the dominant microplastic measured at all three locations and may indicate Cassiopea as potential sinks of microplastic contamination. Cassiopea may be used as bioindicators of microplastic contamination in the future, allowing for potential plastic pollution mitigation.