Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID RI_2024_3

Sampling and characterization of nanoplastics in tap water of Rhode Island

Institute: Rhode Island
Year Established: 2023 Start Date: 2023-09-01 End Date: 2024-08-31
Total Federal Funds: $25,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $28,756

Principal Investigators: Yang Lin

Project Summary: Plastic pollution is a big problem worldwide, and tiny pieces called microplastics and nanoplastics are causing environmental and health problems. Rhode Island is at high risk of plastic pollution due to its vast coastline. While people have been working on microplastics, nanoplastics remain a challenge because they're difficult to study. Nanoplastics behave differently than microplastics in how they move and stick to things. This study aims to test tap water from different areas in Rhode Island to see if there are any nanoplastics in it. They will use special methods to filter and test the water to find out how much nanoplastics are present and what they're like. This information can help doctors, water officials, and environmental groups find ways to treat the water and keep people safe. Finding nanoplastics in tap water can help everyone work together to solve the problem of plastic pollution.