REU Site: Interdisciplinary Research on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical challenge due to the rapid increase in plastic production over recent decades. Microplastics and nanoplastics are now detected in water systems, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Addressing this issue requires a well-prepared workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand and mitigate plastic pollution. This project establishes a new Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Missouri, titled “REU Site: Interdisciplinary Research on Plastic Pollution.” The program will engage undergraduate students in hands-on research to deepen their understanding of plastic pollution and inspire them to pursue careers addressing this issue. Ten undergraduate students will participate annually in a 9-week summer program spanning environmental, water resources, and chemical engineering. Participants will investigate the occurrence, behavior, degradation, and transport of microplastics in aquatic environments, while also exploring emerging solutions such as biodegradable and recycled plastics. Through mentored research, professional development workshops, and collaboration with the University of Missouri Office of Undergraduate Research, the program will provide comprehensive academic and career preparation. By training the next generation of engineers and scientists, this project advances the progress of science, promotes national health and safety, and strengthens America's STEM workforce. The objective of this REU site is to provide interdisciplinary research training focused on plastic pollution. The project emphasizes recruitment of undergraduate students and provides immersive, mentored research experiences. Students will conduct research aimed at advancing laboratory methodologies for the extraction and quantification of microplastics and nanoplastics from samples. This includes the use of advanced analytical instrumentation, supported by artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches. Research activities will focus on the quantification of microplastics, investigation of degradation and release mechanisms, and analysis of their transport in aquatic environments. Participants will also examine sustainable material alternatives, including biodegradable plastics, and apply advanced modeling techniques to better understand and predict microplastic transport dynamics. The program integrates multiple disciplines, including environmental engineering, analytical chemistry, materials science, fluid dynamics, machine learning, and computational modeling. In addition to research, students will participate in structured academic and professional development activities, including weekly workshops delivered in collaboration with the MU Office of Undergraduate Research. Expected outcomes include the development of a trained cohort of undergraduate researchers, contributions to engineering research, and enhanced capacity for interdisciplinary study of plastic pollution. By providing state-of-the-art training and research experience, this project equips future engineers and scientists with the tools needed to develop innovative solutions to mitigate plastic pollution. The resulting knowledge will support policy development, inform regulatory frameworks, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.