september, 2019

16sep6:00 pm7:00 pmMicroplastics in the Environment

Event Details

Since the emergence of mass-produced plastics in the 1940s, the global appetite for these materials has skyrocketed. Due to their widespread use and disposal, plastics – including microplastics (particles less than 5 mm in size) – are now ubiquitous in the environment. Although there is evidence of wildlife and human exposure to microplastics, no one really knows if they are harmful. What is known about these materials is that they contain contaminants (additives and heavy metals), can concentrate pollutants and biological materials from the environment, and are extremely persistent. Many research efforts are currently underway to address a number of questions about microplastics; however, there still is a great deal of work to be done.

Time

(Monday) 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location

U of I Extension

Organizer

ISTCelm2@illinois.edu

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