Evidence demonstrating the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in freshwater systems continues to accumulate. Since many of these water resources also serve as public drinking water sources it is important to identify the extent to which the micro- and nanoplastics are also present in treated water. This is particularly true for nanoplastics (< 1 mm) that have the potential to cross cellular barriers and accumulate in organs and tissues.
In this seminar, Dr. Lenhart will provide an overview of his group’s ongoing research efforts assessing the presence of micro- and nanoplastics in freshwater and treated water. This research is being done in collaboration with public water systems in Ohio that utilize Lake Erie as their water source. Emphasis is on the smaller-sized particles, which are poorly studied and upon update exhibit greater mobility within the human body.
