The U.S. Department of Defense awarded a $120,000 Project Grant under the Basic Scientific Research program (CFDA 12.431) to the University of Massachusetts Lowell's Office of Research Administration-Lowell division. The objective of this 3-year grant, running from February 2025 to February 2028, is to advance fundamental knowledge on the environmental degradation of micro- and nano-plastics by investigating the changes in surface and bulk material properties of weathered plastics due to urban riverine biofilm formation. The research will be conducted by the University of Massachusetts Lowell in collaboration with potential sub-awardees such as Northeastern University, Polymer Laboratories & Solutions LLC, Flexcon Company, Inc., and Haartz Corp. The findings from this basic research project are expected to provide insights into the role of biofilms in the aging and environmental degradation of commodity plastics.
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