Problem

The prevailing effects of plastic pollution throughout our environment is not a newfound issue; however, current research suggests this issue is more threatening to our own lives than previously suspected. Research on the prevalence of synthetic polymers less than 5mm (about the width of a pencil eraser), more commonly known as microplastics, has just begun to take effect. A recent reporting, published by Nature, cites that evidence reveals that 60-80% of marine debris are made of plastics. Questions remain not only on where these microplastics may be found, but what are the primary and secondary sources of these pollutants, how might they have negative implications for the health of our environment, and how might these pollutants affect us. As far as we know, marine animals who ingest these plastic materials have been found to experience long term digestive problems, psychological trauma, and face the risk of starvation through alteration of their feeding patterns and appetites. It is time more citizens, especially teens, must get involved in order to identify, understand and confront the risks associated with these harmful substances. Join us today to be part of the action in this up and coming research to foster a healthy and flourishing environment! Our research focuses on freshwater systems and the specific prevalence and impact of microplastic pollution in our daily lives. Read more about this process in the links provided and on our blog posts.