Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID MO_2023_Hasenmueller

Microplastic fluxes among environmental compartments over multiple flow conditions in an urban watershed

Institute: Missouri
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $25,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $67,153

Principal Investigators: Elizabeth A. Hasenmueller

Project Summary: Ubiquitous microplastic pollution has led to concerns about the environmental and human health implications of this emerging contaminant suite. Microplastics are made up of various polymers and intentional additives and can absorb additional pollutants from the environment, harming organisms upon consumption. Urban areas exacerbate microplastic contamination in aquatic habitats, though microplastic sourcing to, storage within, or transport out of urban catchments changes with streamflow. Thorough investigation of microplastics in urban watersheds is necessary to determine priority areas for their monitoring and management. The proposed research will thus comprehensively characterize urban microplastic fluxes across multiple environmental compartments (including the atmosphere, water, sediment, and biota) in varying seasons and flow conditions. Our results will inform urban microplastic management globally and locate priority areas for microplastic research and remediation efforts in Missouri. This study will promote the USGS’s mission and objectives by identifying microplastic hot spots of concern in urban areas.