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A Social-Ecological-Technological Systems Approach to Understanding Microplastic Pollution at the River Basin Scale
Summary
Researchers studied microplastic pollution in the Columbia River Basin using an interdisciplinary approach combining water sampling, stakeholder workshops, and community education. The study found that microfiber concentrations varied across the watershed based on local landscape factors, and that community awareness and policy engagement are essential to address the problem at a regional scale.
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.