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UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND SCIENTISTS PUT PLASTICS RESEARCH UNDER THE MICROSCOPE — LITERALLY.

RESEARCH THRUST AREA: PLASTICS TOOLS FOR COLLABORATION:

written by CHRIS BARRETT ’08

Detecting, identifying, quantifying and analyzing macro-, micro- and nanoplastics is essential to determining their prevalence and various adverse impacts. However, there are no standard methods, best practices or monitoring baselines for characterizing the very diverse physical, chemical and toxological characteristics of micro- and nanoplastics. There are a range of techniques, technologies and tools available at universities that bring researchers together. URI engineering’s Material Imaging and Analytical core facilities provide not only access to state-of-the art equipment, but also a collaborative environment for researchers and their partners around the state looking at plastics around the globe, from ice in the Arctic to state waste treatment facilities to the Narragansett Bay.

When plastics break apart, the material leaves a trail of pieces often visible only with specialized equipment. That’s where the University’s core facilities and their researchers step in with equipment and expertise.

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