Production, analysis and testing of microplastic transport in different environmental conditions

• Grant number: 24/18021-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: January 30, 2025
• End date: July 29, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Gardenalli de Freitas
• Grantee: Tamiris Lopez Ferreira
• Supervisor: Philippe Van Cappellen
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Waterloo, Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/06060-7 - ASSESSMENT OF MICROPLASTICS TRANSPORT IN GROUNDWATER IN TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS, BP.MS

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants have drawn attention in recentyears due to their widespread global distribution and occurrence in all environmentalmatrices. Although MPs effects are not fully understood, they are known to impactecosystem's health. Therefore, understanding their behavior and transport in porousmedia and groundwater is essential to propose preventive and mitigation measures.Additionally, establishing protocols for the analysis of MPs samples is fundamental toreliably map and compare the quantity of MPs present in each location and matrix. Also,it is crucial to develop and employ more precise methods and tools. The internship atthe University of Waterloo will provide contact and the opportunity for learning differentmethodologies for the identification and quantification of MPs. The internship supervisoris a reference in the field of hydrogeology and microplastics, and therefore, exchangesbetween the research group will also be important for the development of the project,enriching the analysis and discussion of the results. This will increase the researchimpact and reach. Upon returning to Brazil, the master's student will share the acquiredexperience with UNIFESP researchers in presentations and training. The internshipabroad will also strengthen the bond between the participating institutions, fostering thedevelopment of new partnerships.