Understanding the seasonal impacts of microplastic inhalation on health

This NFRF-funded project aims to (1) detect and characterize inhalable and respirable microplastics in indoor and outdoor air seasonally, and (2) explore their potential adverse effects on health. 

Sources, sinks and fate of microplastics in the Strait of Georgia and its urbanized watershed: a solution-oriented natural mesocosm study

The goal of this project, funded through NSERC Plastics Science for a Cleaner Future, is to deliver a comprehensive, solution-oriented research package that develops new methods and extends existing ones to study the sources, transport, degradation and fate of microplastics released into coastal waters by a major urbanized watershed.

Evaluation of the Contributions of the United States to Global Ocean Plastic Waste

The Committee on United States Contributions to Global Ocean Plastic Waste will be evaluating United States contributions to global ocean plastic waste, assessing prevalence of marine debris and mismanaged plastic waste, examining the import and export of plastic waste to and from the United States, and assessing the potential value of a national marine debris monitoring system.  In addition, the committee will also develop recommendations on knowledge gaps and recommend potential means to reduce United States contributions to global ocean plastic waste. 

Exploring Scientists’ Values by Analyzing How They Frame Nature and Uncertainty in a Wastewater Treatment Controversy

The aim of the study is to analyse how scientists from the two sides frame the problem, the relative weight they place on different risks and uncertainties, and how the framing of risks and uncertainties are used to support their policy-recommendations.

Microplastics in the Salish Sea - Concentrations, Types, and Consumption by Zooplankton and Herring

The project is concerned with the amount of microplastics that are consumed by zooplankton and herring. These are foundational species in the BC regional marine food webs, supporting many key species including salmon, seabirds, seals, sea lions and humpback whales. Moreover, herring represent a cultural, socio-economic and ecological key species for First Nations and coastal communities.

Vertical Transport of Microplastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Global Ocean Exposure-Risk Map for Microplastics Pollution Footprint

These research components aim to assess and project the impact of the microplastics footprint exposure and bioaccumulation potential on marine biodiversity in the global ocean.