Developing Educational Modules to Quantify Microplastic Presence in Rivers and Sedimentary Washes

As an unregulated pollutant, little is known about the levels of microplastics in rivers, and sedimentary washes. Communities that suffer from water access/water quality issues and limited access to waste management facilities are likely to have higher levels of microplastics in their aqueous environments. Issues of water and waste management access impact marginalized people with high levels of poverty. These communities must find alternative ways to access water and waste management resources. With limited access to clean and abundant water, the need to buy bottled water or ‘water hauling’ is significantly increased, especially in rural communities. Disposal of plastic water bottles, if done through illegal dumping, likely increases the levels of microplastics in washes and rivers. In communities like Gallup, NM, the impact of expensive disposal mechanisms and the limited number of recycling centers is clearly seen in the large number of illegal dumping sites that have accumulated in the vicinity. Small rivers and ephemeral streams that run in and around the city have become the preferred dump sites for plastic and other waste. To gauge microplastic levels, sediment samples must be collected from a variety of fluvial bodies. After analyzing samples and interpreting the results, this information can be used proactively to alert communities to the danger and ultimately reduce microplastic levels. We are developing educational materials that will serve multiple age groups and must be able to transcend multiple generations. Engaging middle and high school age students by utilizing hands-on activities in educational settings can be instrumental in capturing interest. Using the ‘NOAA Laboratory Methods for the Analysis of Microplastics in a Marine Environment’ as a framework, a laboratory activity can be developed to engage younger audiences. From this lab activity, curriculum can be scaffolded to meet the needs of more mature audiences, like first year college students and adults. Lastly, after analyzing sediment samples we can draw connections on how microplastics waste affects watersheds. Moving further downstream along a water-shed and ultimately to its terminus, we would expect to see the levels of microplastics amplify as streams and washes merge with larger rivers and water bodies.