A Social-Ecological-Technological Systems Approach to Understanding Microplastic Pollution at the River Basin Scale

Heejun, Chang; Brahney, Janice; Carvill, Sarah; Granek, Elise F.; Hunter, Nancee; Wolfand, Jordyn

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A Social-Ecological-Technological Systems Approach to Understanding Microplastic Pollution at the River Basin Scale

Utah State Research and Scholarship (Utah State University) 2022

Heejun, Chang, Brahney, Janice, Carvill, Sarah, Granek, Elise F., Hunter, Nancee, Wolfand, Jordyn

Summary

This study applies a social-ecological-technological systems framework to understand microplastic pollution at the watershed scale in the Columbia River Basin, integrating spatial measurements of microfiber concentrations with stakeholder perceptions and community engagement. The interdisciplinary approach reveals the complex interactions between human behavior, infrastructure, and microplastic contamination patterns.

Study Type Environmental

While microplastic pollution has been extensively studied in the marine environment, relatively few studies focused on the microplastic cycle at the watershed scale. Sponsored by an NSF-Sustainable Regional Systems planning grant, a team of interdisciplinary researchers has been investigating the spatial variations of microfiber concentrations, perception of microplastic pollution among different stakeholders, and engaging with K-12 teachers and practitioners in the Columbia River Basin. We conducted two stakeholder workshops to identify major issues and concerns associated with microplastic pollution and explore policy intervention strategies. Additionally, we analyzed how and why the perception of microplastic pollution varies by respondents' individual and group factors. Synoptic moss samples collected during summer 2022 illustrate spatial variations of microplastic pollution associated with local landscape factors. The pre- and post-test results show participants' knowledge increased after taking a four-week summer class. This integrative research seeks to co-produce knowledge by embracing social, ecological, and technological aspects of microplastic pollution within the Columbia River Basin.

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