Project Overview
Microplastics adsorption of chemicals
Department(s)
Environmental Studies
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Microplastics are generally defined as plastic pieces less than 5 mm. This project aims to understand how microplastics can retain the chemicals. The implication of chemicals being retained on the plastics is that these chemicals may be more concentrated on the plastics than in the water or food for animals, and the chemicals may be released inside the animals, increasing the chemical burden of the animals that ingest the plastics. Earlier experiements showed that chemicals may be retained on plastics, however, it is unclear how the chemicals were interacting with the plastics. This project will try to understand the mechanisms involved in chemicals being retained by plastics. A week of traveling to California is planned, however, we will have alternate plans if travel is restricted.
Student Qualifications
Some wet lab experience desired.
Number of Student Researchers
2 students
Project Length
8 weeks
Applications open on 01/03/2022 and close on 02/04/2022