Research
In order to address the entire life cycle of plastics, the Trienens Institute’s multidisciplinary Program on Plastics, Ecosystems, and Public Health (PEPH) focuses on three core research areas described below. The PEPH Program’s systems-based approach enables the cross-pollination of discovery and solutions across these areas.
Materials and Product Innovation
The economic value of the plastics industry is tremendous, but recyclability and cost-competitive alternative materials remain limited.
This core research area addresses these challenges by exploring the following:
- Sustainable materials development
- Waste recovery and re-use of plastic
- Identification and characterization of plastic pollution
- Chemical and mechanical treatment processes for use in wastewater treatment facilities
Air, Land, and Water Ecosystem Dynamics
The plastic debris that permeates the world’s ecosystems can take thousands of years to decompose, and some will never biodegrade. Yet knowledge of its dispersal pathways and environmental impacts remain fragmentary.
This core research area addresses these challenges by exploring the following:
- Transport and retention of plastics in freshwater and marine systems
- Concentration of plastics in biosolids and agricultural systems
- Biodegradation of plastics
- Weathering and fragmentation processes
- Law and public policy related to ecosystem impacts
Public Health Impacts
The food, drinking water, and air we consume are infused with plastic debris. But little is known about the long-term health impacts of this modern reality.
This core research area addresses these challenges by exploring the following:
- Ingestion via food and drinking water
- Exposure to and inhalation of microplastics/fibers
- Plastic-facilitated transport of biological and chemical contaminants
- Bioaccumulation in freshwater and marine biota and food systems
- Law and public policy related to health impacts