Tiny plastics in water and air: how they carry pollutants and may affect health
Investigating Environmental Microplastic Particles and Pollutant Interactions in a Changing Environment
Researchers will collect tiny microplastics from Lake Ontario water and airborne spray to look at how they pick up pollutants that might affect people exposed to them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370629 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will collect water and air samples from Lake Ontario and nearby spray to capture environmental microplastics smaller than 100 micrometers. Scientists will use nanomembrane filters to trap very small particles that are more likely to cross into human tissues. Lab experiments will test whether persistent organic pollutants and metal ions stick to these microplastics and change how toxic they are to cells. The work aims to explain how everyday environmental plastics could contribute to human exposure and health risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live near Lake Ontario, work on the shoreline, or are concerned about local air and water quality would be most directly relevant to this project's findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate medical treatment will not benefit directly because the project focuses on environmental sampling and laboratory testing rather than clinical care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help public health officials understand and reduce human exposure to harmful pollutants carried by tiny plastics.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior studies used commercial plastic beads and aquatic organisms, so collecting environmental microplastics under 100 micrometers and examining pollutant interactions is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delouise, Lisa a — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Delouise, Lisa a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.