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Lunch and Learn! November 10 at noon Via Zoom Since the 1970s, scientists have known about the presence of tiny bits of plastic — microplastics — churning in the oceans and being ingested by birds and sea life. Recently, new research has shown the particles are also in the Great Lakes, which thousands of communities rely on for fresh drinking water and other uses. The potential threat of microplastics in the water and other products people consume worries Mary Kosuth, a microplastics researcher and 2017 graduate of the School of Public Health. “One thing that makes plastic a desirable material for containers and packaging is that it is durable and relatively inert,” says Kosuth. “But, they are also made of chemicals — like BPA — that can leach into foods, and the plastic particles can adsorb and concentrate other potentially-toxic substances, which we might then ingest.” Kosuth recently conducted a study to help determine how often microplastic particles are found in the things we frequently eat. For the study, Kosuth measured the amount of microplastics in samples of internationally sourced salt and tap water, as well as beer made from Great Lakes water. The study, co-authored by Associate Professor Elizabeth Wattenberg, was published in the journal PLOS ONE. The study revealed that 81 percent of tap water samples — and all tested brands of salt and beer — contained microplastics. “Our study basically confirmed that this stuff is everywhere,” says Kosuth. “In fact, during the study, we ran lab blanks with ultra-filtered water to make sure the equipment was clean, and even then found small amounts of plastic fibers. These particles are floating in the air and could have been coming from my clothing or the ventilation system — anywhere! Just the fact that I had to be so careful to keep everything clean of plastic shows how much of it is present in our environment.
The Coalition for Plastics Reduction, MN Mary is a spokesperson for the Coalition for Plastics Reduction, MN. That group was formed in 2022 and brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, ages, professions, and expertise, including environmental advocates, scientists, business owners, community leaders, professionals, and everyday citizens. Coalition members are united by a common goal — to create a sustainable future by tackling the plastic crisis. The Coalition is dedicated to reducing plastic production and its harmful environmental impacts. They educate, advocate for policy change, promote sustainable practices, and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Their goal is to reduce single-use plastics, encourage alternatives, and unite businesses, governments, and communities to build a more sustainable future for Minnesota. Dr. Kosuth:
Mary Kosuth is a researcher with a PhD in microplastics research from the University of Minnesota, specializing in their presence in products like tap water, beer, and salt. Mary is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment. Her work has been featured in a documentary and published in scientific journals, and she is involved in advocacy through groups like the Coalition for Plastic Reduction MN.
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