Have you collected plastic samples from the environment? We would be happy to take it off your hands!
Members of our researcher team are looking for a large variety of plastics collected from the environment that can be used to strengthen a microplastics fingerprint library. In particular, they are looking for plastic samples that have been degrading in the natural environment. Variety is the key – exposure to sunlight, water, or farmers fields all affect the plastic and we are interested in analyzing samples with diverse histories. The more information you can provide regarding each individual sample, the better!
The team requires these samples of diverse plastic to perfect their methods of detection and analysis. The intent is to speed up the workflow process for sampling, screening, fingerprinting and quantifying microplastics. This will allow any research team to gather and process more samples in a timely manner. We will eventually be able to get a better handle on the true extent of microplastic pollution across our watersheds, track their source and develop mitigation strategies that address the issue from manufacturing through to waste disposal.
If you think you might be able to help us out, please contact Nancy Goucher. We are happy to coordinate the transportation logistics to make this as easy as possible.
Thank you for your help.
Photo: Marine litter. Plastic bottles on a beach, by Bo Eide. Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0