The National Science Foundation awarded a $386,959 Project Grant to the University of Missouri System under the Engineering program (CFDA 47.041) for the period of October 1, 2022 through March 31, 2026. The grant funds research into microplastics fate and contaminant transport in storm runoff using an interdisciplinary approach integrating material science and environmental engineering. Specifically, the grantee will investigate the roles of intrinsic and extrinsic material properties on microplastic photodegradation and fragmentation kinetics in urban environments. They will also examine the physicochemical processes impacting microplastic facilitated transport of heavy metals in stormwater. The research aims to provide a better conceptual understanding of mechanisms controlling microplastics persistence and contaminant spread. Additional grant activities include developing educational materials for K-12 teachers on plastic pollution to increase environmental engineering career recruitment among underrepresented students.
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