Investigating Particle Composition and Aquatic Chemistry Impacts on Microplastic Aggregation Behavior Through the Use of Nanopolymer-Nanoparticle Composites
Research Mentor(s)
Manuel Montano
Description
The growing increase of plastic pollution has resulted in growing concern within the environmental toxicology field. Microplastics, small, broken-down pieces of plastic waste, have unique properties that influences their transport and behavior. This study will implement the use of metal-based microplastic tracers to better understand microplastic transport. Different particle composition (sand, iron oxide, and clay) and aquatic chemistries will be tested to study their possible effects on microplastic aggregation. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) will be used to measure the concentration of microplastic tracers with time. It is expected that as microplastic concentration decreases over time, this is evidence of microplastic aggregation. Results will be compared, to see how particle mineralogy or aquatic chemistry has any influence on microplastic aggregation.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
May 2022
End Date
May 2022
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
CE - Environmental Sciences
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Investigating Particle Composition and Aquatic Chemistry Impacts on Microplastic Aggregation Behavior Through the Use of Nanopolymer-Nanoparticle Composites
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
The growing increase of plastic pollution has resulted in growing concern within the environmental toxicology field. Microplastics, small, broken-down pieces of plastic waste, have unique properties that influences their transport and behavior. This study will implement the use of metal-based microplastic tracers to better understand microplastic transport. Different particle composition (sand, iron oxide, and clay) and aquatic chemistries will be tested to study their possible effects on microplastic aggregation. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) will be used to measure the concentration of microplastic tracers with time. It is expected that as microplastic concentration decreases over time, this is evidence of microplastic aggregation. Results will be compared, to see how particle mineralogy or aquatic chemistry has any influence on microplastic aggregation.