American Water Resources Association
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Microplastics Analysis: and what we learned from our first attempt to analyze real environmental microplastics samples
Presented by:
Erica Forgione, PhD
Postdoctoral Scholar - Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership (VUSP)
ABSTRACT:
Stories about microplastics (MPs) have flooded the news cycle, with the most recent example being the announcement this past April of its inclusion on the US EPA's 6th Draft Contaminant Candidate List. How have MPs become such a hot topic and why are they of concern? With MP research still very novel, how accurate is the current data? One major challenge is that because MPs are ubiquitous, some level of contamination in the laboratory will get into samples, even if you are working in a true clean lab. This means that stringent cleaning protocols and QA/QC procedures must be implemented and constantly assessed to determine detection limits and ensure data accuracy. Laboratories need to develop specialized techniques to a higher level than many other routine laboratory analyses. MP analysis remains expensive and time-consuming but given the growing concern and indications that regulations may follow, it is becoming increasingly necessary to develop more affordable, more accurate, and faster analytical methods, collect higher quality MP data, and adopt standard methods.
SPEAKER BIOS:
Dr. Forgione is currently a post-doctoral scholar at Villanova University working on analysis of microplastics in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) systems as well as in drinking water with her advisor, Dr. Kelly Good. She received her doctorate in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland, with a specialization in Environmental Engineering. Past research projects have focused on stormwater pollutants including road deicing salts, trace metals, nutrients, particulates, and overall stormwater pollutant characterization.
Engineers:
This seminar qualifies for 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH). A Certificate of Attendance will be available for AWRA-PMAS members only. The meeting price for non-members who wish to receive a Certificate of Attendance for the PDH is $10.00 ($3.00 for meeting + $7.00 for certificate).
Please note:
Thank you!