The Rapids US EPA's Trash Free Waters Monthly Update December 2022


The Rapids

US EPA's Trash Free Waters Monthly Update
December 2022

epa. gov/trash-free-waters

Introduction

Good afternoon all,

In honor of America Recycles Day, EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management announced $100
million in funding to help build and transform solid waste infrastructure, manage materials to achieve a
circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create cleaner, resilient, and healthier
communities. The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program and the Recycling Education
and Outreach Grant program are included in the Funding Opportunities section below!

With apologies, there will be a temporary hiatus of the Trash Free Waters Rapids in the new year. We plan
to continue distribution as soon as possible.

Romell Nandi
US EPA

Trash Free Waters National Program Lead

EPA Announcements

EPA Releases a Rec.vc.linp Propram Toolkit

EPA recently released an interactive collection of materials to help states, territories, local governments,
tribes, schools, nonprofit organizations, companies, and public-private partnerships create effective
programs for recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, reuse, repair, and waste reduction. The toolkit
includes case studies, training materials, consumer education materials, and standardized terms related to
recycling.

Reuse Projects Funded through EPA's Healthy Communities Grant Propram

The EPA recently announced the selection of 22 Healthy Communities Grants across New England to
work directly with communities to reduce environmental risks, protect and improve human health and
improve the quality of life. The City of Middletown, CT will receive $40,000 for their Fostering Circular
Solutions for Takeout Containers project to support reusable takeout containers and help Connecticut meet
its goal of a 60% waste diversion rate. The Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) will receive $39,992 for
their Restaurants Building Back Better with Less Packaging and Plastic Waste project. This effort focuses
on education and outreach materials, technical support, and funding to reduce the use of single-use food
service ware in small restaurants in low-income areas where English is a second language.

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Release of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law First Anniversary Report

Last month marked one year of progress in implementing President Bi den's historic Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law with the release of a new report detailing the Agency's investments in the Nation's
infrastructure and communities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure law provides EPA with more than $60
billion over five years for a wide range of environmental programs that will bring much-needed funding
to America's water infrastructure, environmental cleanups, and clean air protections, while also advancing
environmental justice and combatting climate change.

Environmental Study Released for Projects to Mitigate San Diego - Tijuana Transbortler Water
Pollution

Last month, EPA and the U.S. Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC)
released the Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (Final PEIS) for a set of proposed
projects that comprise the Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution to mitigate transborder water pollution.
This document includes the installation of one or more trash booms in the Tijuana River to capture solid
waste before it reaches the U.S. border. The public comment period closes on December 19.

Funding Opportunities

EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Awards Program

The EPA Green Chemistry Challenge Awards promote the environmental and economic benefits of
developing and using novel green chemistry. These prestigious annual awards recognize chemical
technologies that incorporate green chemistry into chemical design, manufacture, and use. Focus areas of
the challenge include Greener Synthetic Pathways, Greener Reaction Conditions, and The Design of
Greener Chemicals. The deadline for submissions is December 9.

EPA State and Territories Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants (SWIFR)

This new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded grant program is for states, territories, and the District of
Columbia to improve solid waste management planning, data collection, and program implementation.
$40 million is available through this program. Check out the Upcoming Events section for various
informational webinars on this opportunity. The deadline for Notices of Intent to Participate is
December 15.

Solid Waste Management Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Solid Waste Management (SWM) Grant Program has been
established to assist communities through free technical assistance and/or training provided by the grant
recipients. Public bodies, nonprofits, Federally recognized tribes, and academic institutions within rural
areas and towns with a population of 10,000 or less are eligible to receive SWM grant funds to reduce or
eliminate pollution of water resources in rural areas and improve planning and management of solid waste
sites in rural areas. Funds may be used to evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water
resources, enhance operator skills in the operation and maintenance of active landfills, and help
communities reduce the solid waste stream. The deadline for submissions is December 31.

EPA Political Subdivisions Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants (SWIFR)

This new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded grant program is for counties, cities, towns, parishes, and
similar units of government to fund projects that improve materials management and infrastructure,
including collection, transport, systems, and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered,
reused, recycled, repaired, refurbished, or composted. $30 million is available through this program, with

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expected award sizes ranging from $500,000 to $4 million. Check out the Upcoming Events section for
various informational webinars on this opportunity. The deadline for submissions is January 16, 2023.

EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grants

This new Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-funded grant program is for states, tribes, territories, local
governments, and other organizations to fund projects to improve consumer education and outreach on
waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting by providing them with the practical tools needed to
reduce waste generation, decrease contamination in the recycling stream, and increase recycling rates
across the country in a manner that is equitable for all. $30 million is available through this program, with
awards sizes ranging from $250,000 to $2 million. Check out the Upcoming Events section for various
informational webinars on this opportunity. The deadline for submissions is January 16,2023.

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
(BRIC) grant program will support states, local communities, tribes, and territories as they undertake
hazard mitigation projects, reducing the risks they face from disasters and natural hazards. The BRIC
program's guiding principles are supporting communities through capability and capacity building;
encouraging and enabling innovation; promoting partnerships; enabling large projects; maintaining
flexibility; and providing consistency. The deadline for submissions is January 27, 2023.

National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways Grants

The National Park Service Chesapeake Office (NPS Chesapeake) is proud to announce a new competitive
grant opportunity to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 within the full 41-million-acre
Chesapeake Bay watershed. Specifically, this opportunity welcomes grant proposals focused on advancing
equity, inclusion, accessibility, and community engagement across two strategic themes: Advance a Major
Inclusive Interpretive Initiative with an Equity Lens; and Promote Resilient Communities & Landscapes
Through Tourism, Sustainability, Conservation & Local Economies. The deadline for submissions is
January 30,2023.

Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grants

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain
local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local
partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds, and the species and habitats they support.
Projects include a variety of ecological improvements along with targeted community outreach, education,
and stewardship. Approximately $1.6M is available and awards will range from $25,000 to $50,000, with
40-50 grants awarded per year. The deadline for submissions is January 31,2023.

20th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity,
and the Planet

The EPA seeks applications proposing to take a holistic approach, grounded in research and innovation,
to develop and demonstrate solutions to real-world challenges. The People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3)
Program highlights the use of scientific principles in creating innovative technology-based projects that
achieve the mutual goals of improved quality of life, economic prosperity, and environmental protection.
This award program is split into four separate funding opportunities: Clean and Healthy Air (EPA-G2023-
P3-Q1). Clean and Sale Water (EPA-G2023-P3-Q2). Safeguard and Revitalize Communities (EPA-
G2023-P3-Q3). and Ensure Safety of Chemicals (EPA-G2023-P3-Q4). The deadline for submissions is
February 1,2023.

Research to Action: Assessing and Addressing Community Exposures to Environmental
Contaminants

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This National Institutes of Health Funding Opportunity Announcement encourages applications using
community-engaged research methods to investigate the potential health risks of environmental exposures
of concern to communities and to implement an environmental public health action plan based on research
findings. The overall goal is to inform and support efforts to prevent or reduce exposure to harmful
environmental exposures and improve community health. Researching the disproportionate impact of
emerging and ongoing exposures like microplastics is an eligible topic. This is a rolling application, but
the next review will take place on February 5, 2023.

Other opportunities...

2023 NO VA Marine Debris Program Art Contest

The NOAA Marine Debris Program holds an annual art contest to reach K-8 students and help raise
awareness about marine debris. An awards panel will collect all entries and select 13 winners to be featured
in a marine debris calendar. Entries will be judged on their creativity, artistic presentation, and relevancy
to the theme of 1) How marine debris impacts the ocean and the Great Lakes environment, and 2) What
you are doing to help prevent marine debris. The deadline for submissions is December 16.

2023 President's Environmental Student and Teacher Awards

EPA's Office of Environmental Education is now accepting applications for the 2023 President's
Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators
(PIAEE). PEYA recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects from students in grades K-12
and PIAEE recognizes outstanding K-12 grade educators who integrate environmental, place-based
experiential learning into school curricula and school facility management across the country. EPA is
seeking award applications for a variety of environmental topics, including environmental justice, reducing
contributions to ocean and marine litter, solutions in recycling, and more. The deadline for submissions
is January 11, 2023.

Upcoming Events

Restore America's Estuaries Coastal and Estuarine Summit
December 4-8, New Orleans, LA, and virtual

Restore America's Estuaries (RAE) proudly presents the 2022 Coastal & Estuarine Summit with support
from Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL). In its 11th year, the 2022 Summit will bring together
the coastal restoration and management communities to explore issues, solutions, and lessons learned in
their work. The Summit Program will address all aspects of coastal and estuarine restoration and
management, including the Great Lakes and international locales. These topics are crucial as
coastal communities pursue new, more robust strategies to effectively manage, protect, and restore their
resources in a changing climate.

Webinar I: EPA Political Subdivisions SWIFR Grant Program Overview
December 5 (2-3:30 PM), virtual

During this webinar, EPA will provide an overview of the Political Subdivisions Solid Waste
Infrastructure for Recycling Grant request for applications, eligible entities, evaluation criteria, and the
application process. This event will also include a Q&A portion for attendees. The same presentation
material will also be covered on December 7 as an alternative time slot.

WasteCon 2022

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December 5-8, San Diego, CA

WASTECON is The Solid Waste Association of North America's (SWANA) executive leadership summit.
The solid waste industry is going through exciting changes that bring both challenges and opportunities.
With a mix of keynotes addressing the hot topics in the industry, development and learning sessions, and
lots of networking time, this event will provide you and your team with what you need to best respond to
change, seize the opportunity, and keep stakeholders aligned and supportive.

Webinar I: EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program Overview
December 6 (6 PM), virtual

During this webinar, EPA will provide an overview of the Recycling Education and Outreach Grant
request for applications, eligible entities, evaluation criteria, the application process, and the model
recycling program toolkit. This event will also include a Q&A portion for attendees.

Briefing on Model Packaging Redaction Law
December 7 (4 PM), virtual

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging is heating up in state capitals across the US. The
essential function of EPR is to shift the cost of packaging disposal from consumers to the companies that
produce the products. Join Beyond Plastics and Just-Zero for a briefing on a new model bill designed to
reduce packaging and therefore prevent plastic pollution, improve recycling, decrease toxic additives, and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Webinar I: EPA Political Subdivisions SWIFR Grant Program Overview (Alternative Timing)
December 7 (6 PM), virtual

5th Annual Virginia Stormwater and Plastic Pollution Workshop
December 7 (1-2:30 PM), virtual

Clean Virginia Waterways is excited to announce the 5th Annual Stormwater and Plastic Pollution
Workshop for stormwater, plastic pollution, and litter-prevention professionals. This workshop will
address urban trash pollution and strategies employed to intercept a piece of trash before it becomes part
of stormwater runoff and is conveyed to and through the storm sewer system. Registration will open soon.

Exploring the Intersections of Environmental Justice and Equitable Development in Infrastructure
Investments

December 8 (1-2:30 PM), virtual

Are you interested in learning more about the process of defining disproportionately impacted
communities for federal and state policies? Or, how large investments - like from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law - will tie to equitable development and anti-displacement practices in
disproportionately impacted communities that receive the funding because of the Justice 40 Initiative? Join
the Urban Waters Learning Network Equitable Development and Anti-Displacement Collaborative to
engage in further conversation on the intersections of environmental justice policy and equitable
development and anti-displacement practices.

Webinar II: EPA Political Subdivisions SWIFR Grant Program Overview
December 13 (2-3:30 PM), virtual

During this follow-up event, EPA will cover procurement and subawards for the Political Subdivisions
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants. This event will also include a Q&A portion for attendees.
The same presentation material will also be covered on December 19 as an alternative time slot.

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Webinar II: EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grants
December 15 (2-3:30 PM), virtual

During this follow-up event, EPA will cover procurement and subawards for the Recycling Education and
Outreach Grant. This event will also include a Q&A portion for attendees. The same presentation material
will also be covered on December 20 as an alternative time slot.

Webinar II: EPA State and Territories SWIFR Grant Program Overview
December 19 (2-3:30 PM), virtual

During this follow-up event, EPA will cover the program guidance and work plans for the States and
Territories Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants. This event will also include a Q&A portion
for attendees. The same presentation material will also be covered on January 3 as an alternative time slot.

Webinar II: EPA Political Subdivisions SWIFR. Grant Program Overview (Alternative Timing)
December 19 (6 PM), virtual

Webinar II: EPA Recycling Education and Outreach Grants (Alternative Timing)

December 20 (6 PM), virtual

During this follow-up event, EPA will cover procurement and subawards for the Recycling Education and
Outreach Grant. This event will also include a Q&A portion for attendees.

Save the dates for future months...

Webinar II: EPA State and Territories SWIFR Grant Program Overview (Alternative Timing)
January 3 (6 PM), virtual

Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) Marine Debris Cross-Team Initiative Mid-Year Meeting
January 10-11, 2023, Gulfport, MS or virtual

The goal of this mid-year stakeholder meeting is to strengthen regional effectiveness by bringing the Gulf
of Mexico Alliance Marine Debris Cross Team Initiative community together to work on regional marine
debris actions that address both everyday marine debris and debris generated by severe weather. During
this workshop, participants will work on actions in the new Marine Debris Cross Team in the Governors'
Action Plan IV for Healthy and Resilient Coasts, update Tier 2 project plans and metric trackers for the
next 5 years, and develop a priority project plan for GOMA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
funding.

Green Biz 23

February 14-16, 2023, Scottsdale, AZ

Join more than 1,600 sustainable business leaders for GreenBiz 23 to harness the knowledge of experts,
peers, and new voices to help you achieve net zero, advance the circular economy, elevate social justice,
safeguard biodiversity, build resilient supply chains, and more.

ICSW 2023: International Conference on Solid Waste
March 20-21, 2023, Tokyo, Japan

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The International Conference on Solid Waste aims to bring together leading academic scientists,
researchers, and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all
aspects of solid waste. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners,
and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical
challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the solid waste field.

Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium

April 5, 2023, Houston, TX

The purpose of the annual Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium is to bring scientists together to discuss
plastic research being conducted in the state of Texas and to bring awareness to the issue of plastics in the
environment. This meeting consists of oral research presentations and posters, time for collaboration about
new projects, and meeting new partners to fill the gaps in our understanding of the impacts of plastics.

In case you missed it...

I pstream's Indisposable Podcast Series

Upstream has a podcast series dedicated to celebrating solutions to plastic pollution and featuring heroes
of the reuse movement. Dozens of podcasts are accessible via their website and highlight an impressive
breadth of reuse-relevant topics, including episodes dedicated to zero-waste stadiums, venture capital,
plastic-free alternatives, and coalition building.

The Microplastics Breakdown

HUMAN HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF EXPOSURE TO MICROPLASTICS

Microplastics in Human Food Chains: Food Becoming a Threat to Health Safety
Abdullah AlMamun, Tofan Agung Eka Prasetya, Indiah Ratna Dewi, Monsur Ahmad
The goal of this literature review was to enlighten future research into the core component of microplastics
(MPs), their exposure to human food, and biological reactions in the human body. The article described
the array of aquatic biota in which MPs were found: coral, phytoplankton, and other marine animals; and
highlighted the widespread abundance of MPs in freshwater and the marine environment. The authors
observed that MPs are transferred up the food chain with a high level of absorbed pollutants and may be
destined for human consumption. Food sources affected by MP contamination in the food chain include
fish, shellfish and crustaceans, canned fish, sugar, salt, honey, beer, drinking water, and fruits and
vegetables. Some of the complexity in understanding the risks to human health associated with exposure
to MPs was discussed. For example, it was noted that variance in type, size, and shape of plastic particles
may lead to several health problems including oxidative stress, immune disease, and risk of cancer. It was
also observed that MPs may release different additive chemicals and act as a vector for other harmful
microorganisms. The article included a discussion of some of the effects on human organs and systems
that are exposed to MPs via food, e.g., the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. The authors highlighted
existing data gaps, including investigating MP and related contaminants in different foods and also in food
additives; research into the final destination and implication of MP in the human body, and the question
of how the size and shape of particles affect the toxicity level.

Potential Risk of Microplastics In Processed Foods: Preliminary Risk Assessment Concerning
Polymer Types. Abundance, And Human Exposure of Microplastics
Qianhui Lin, Shasha Zhao, Lihua Pang, Cuizhu Sun, Lingyun Chen, Fengmin Li

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This literature review focused on the available data for MPs in 11 types of possessed foods and conducted
a preliminary risk assessment. The authors collected data on the abundance, size range, and polymer types
of MPs directly from charts or texts of relevant studies. Three indicators were selected and examined:
chemical risk, pollution load, and estimated daily intake (EDI). The three most common polymer types
found in processed foods were polyethylene (PE) (23%); polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (22%), and
polypropylene (PP) (19%). Among all types of processed foods examined, nori was found to have
exhibited the highest chemical risk and pollution load. In terms of the EDI of MPs from different processed
foods, MP intakes through bottled water and milk were found to be significantly higher than that of the
other foods. The authors referenced study results showing that PP and PET accounted for nearly 80% of
detected MPs found in human excrement and observed that the presence of MPs in human feces and their
chemical similarity with that found in processed foods suggest that the risk of MP exposure from processed
food consumption cannot be neglected. According to the authors' probabilistic estimation of MP daily
intake, children are at a higher health risk than adults. However, based on the overall findings, the authors
concluded that MPs in processed foods only carry limited risk. Nori, canned fish, beverages, and table salt
were classified as high hazards, while bottled water, milk, and beer were identified as medium hazards.
Packaged meat and honey were classified as low and very low hazards, respectively. The authors asserted
that their review could provide the basis for risk management of MPs in processed food products.

Microplastics in Food and Agriculture

B. Pavan Kumar Naik, D. Saritha, J. Sam Ruban, Venkatraj N., andM. Nandinidevi
This article explored how agricultural soils serve as sinks for MP particles and described some of their
potential negative impacts. The authors pointed out that plastic materials are used in various farming
practices, including plastic mulching, using plastic ropes as staking, and plastic fruit coverings. As
described, when MPs are deposited on topsoils, fragmentation occurs by solar UV radiation in addition to
raised oxygen availability and temperature. These fragmented MPs can migrate vertically through the soil
profile and horizontally along the surface of soils, potentially leading to the spread of plastic over a wide
range including deep soil, groundwater, and then to aquatic ecosystems. The authors described the soil as
becoming the largest reservoir of MPs; which may be 4 to 23 times that of the ocean. Soil samples from
farming areas in India were taken at different depths. MPs in the samples were extracted and then counted.
MPs were found in all soil samples: upper soil (top 5 cm) and lower soil (deep 20 cm) at different depths
ranging from 12 to 117 items/m2, with the mean concentration of 53.2 items/m2 in upper soil and 34.3
items/m in lower soil. Some of the potential impacts of MPs discussed included effects on nutrient and
substrate availability and MPs' competition for physicochemical niches with microorganisms. The
interaction of soil pH and the MP chemical compounds was thought to potentially change the biota in the
soil.

FATE AND TRANSPORT OF MICROPLASTICS

Concentrations of Tire Wear Microplastics and Other Traffic-Derived Non-Exhaust Particles in the
Road Environment

Ida Jarlskog, David Jaramillo-Vogel, Juanita Rausch, Mats Gustafsson, Ann-Margret Stromvall, and
Yvonne Andersson-Skold

This study focused on tire wear particles (TWP), described as one of the major sources of MP pollution in
the environment. The article noted many existing published studies on this topic are based on theoretical
estimations rather than field measurements. Thus, the goal of this study was to help increase the knowledge
regarding the concentrations of TWP in the environment. Samples from different matrices were collected
at a research station used as a case study area located on a rural highway between Vasteras and Enkoping,
Sweden. According to the article, the road was surrounded by fields; the speed limit was 120 km/hr, and
the annual average daily traffic was estimated at 11,000 vehicles. The road was composed of stone mastic
asphalt with a maximum stone size of 11 mm with polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) as the binder. The

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matrices examined included road dust (from the curb and in-between wheel tracks), runoff (water and
sediment), and air. In addition, airborne deposition was determined in a transect with increasing distance
from the road. Samples were categorized into subclasses: glass beads, metallic particles, paint particles
(i.e., road markings), bitumen wear particles (BiWP), tire wear particles (TWP), mineral particles, and
organic undifferentiated particles (e.g., pollen, spores, and other organic matter). Runoff was found to
contain the highest proportion of TWP (up to 38%). The share of TWP in curb samples tended to be higher
than BiWP. However, a seasonal increase of BiWP was observed in coarse curb samples during winter,
which was attributed to the use of studded tires. The concentration of the particles in the air was found to
decrease with increasing distance from the road, which the authors described as evidencing road traffic as
the main emission source. Road dust and the surrounding environment were found to contain traffic-
derived MPs in both size fractions: 2-20 jim and 20-125 jim. Finer particles (2-20 jim) were found to be
the most prevalent in all sample matrices. The authors noted that these sized particles have a high potential
to be transported in water and air far away from the source and can contribute to the inhalable particle
fraction (PM10) in air, which they asserted highlighted the importance of including finer particle fractions
in future investigations.

Microplastics in the Great Lakes: Environ mental. Health, and Socioeconomic Implications and
Future Directions

Claire Fuschi, Haihui Pu, Margaret MacDonell, Kurt Pice I, Maria Negri, andJunhong Chen
MP pollution was identified as an important issue that needs to be addressed in the Great Lakes because
plastics comprise most of the litter found, and according to the authors, the Great Lakes serve as a source
of drinking water for 40 million people, they account for 84% of North America's surface fresh water and
21% of all surface fresh water in the world, and their maritime economy supports more than 300,000 jobs,
translating to $8.8 billion in wages. It was also observed that the Great Lakes' commercial, recreational,
and tribal fisheries are valued at over $7 billion annually and support over 75,000 jobs. Furthermore, the
article referenced calculations by the Rochester Institute of Technology indicating that nearly 22 million
pounds of plastic debris enter the Great Lakes every year, with most (11.6 million pounds) entering Lake
Michigan; followed by Lake Erie (5.6 million pounds), Lake Ontario (3.2 million pounds), Lake Huron
(1.4 million pounds), and Lake Superior (more than 70,000 pounds). Potential solutions to mitigate the
risks posed by MPs were discussed along with suggestions for future research, including standardizing
detection and removal methods and assessing the health risk of MPs in the Great Lakes. While the article
acknowledged that the understanding of MP pollution across the Great Lakes is very limited, the authors
also highlighted that research and public awareness of MPs in the environment have increased. For
example, the authors summarized a recent study of 20 sediment samples from Lake Michigan and 12
samples from Lake Erie. According to the description, this research identified PET, HDPE, and
semisynthetic cellulose as the most common among the 37 particles analyzed from Lake Michigan
sediment; and synthetic cellulose, PP, and PVC as the most common among the 44 particles analyzed from
Lake Erie sediment. The authors asserted that MPs can currently be viewed as a pollution prevention and
waste management issue rather than something to be done away with entirely, especially because there are
currently no detailed standards about different types of MPs.

Abundance and Effects of Microplastics in Terrestrial Environments

F. Olcay TOP AC, Chapter 2 of "Theory and Research in Engineering, " October 2022

This chapter explored MPs in soil ecosystems and attempted to address knowledge gaps, explain the

environmental effects of MPs in terrestrial systems, and recommend further research. The author observed

that large temperature fluctuations on the soil surface and UV radiation from sunlight are major factors in

plastic fragmentation in terrestrial environments. These fragments, some of which are attributed to the

tilling of soil containing plastic mulching material, may accumulate in the soil as secondary

micropollutants. The improper disposal of packaging of soil fertilizers and agrochemicals and MPs in

wastewater sludge applied to agricultural lands are also cited as potential sources of MP fragments in the

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soil. The article referenced an estimate that 44,000-300,000 and 63,000-430,000 tons/year of MPs enter
the cultivated farmland in North America and Europe, respectively, by sewage sludge application.
Research regarding the distribution and types of MPs in agricultural soil was discussed. For example, a
study found that MP levels in mulched and unmulched soils were found to be 571 particles and 263
particles per kilogram of soil, respectively. Other research was described indicating that MP fibers and
films are more abundant in mulched soils. The most prevalent kind of polymer in the examined field was
identified as polyethylene, followed by polystyrene and polypropylene. This chapter acknowledged that
the potential impacts on terrestrial habitats have not been fully demonstrated but that because of the low
level of light and oxygen in the soil, it is expected that MPs could persist in the soil ecosystem for over
100 years. Some of the possible impacts of this persistent presence of MPs were described, including its
effects on soils' bio-physicochemical properties and the mobility of other pollutants in the soil matrix,
which in turn could have impacts on the functions of the soil ecosystem - including biota - with eventual
possible negative effects on human health.

MICROPLASTIC REMOVAL

A Community of Marine Bacteria with the Potential to Biodegrade Petroleum-Based and Biobaseci
Microplastics

Nuria Fernandez de Villalobos, Maria Clara Costa, and Isabel Marin-Beltran

This study assessed the biodegradability of low-density polyethylene and biobased polyethylene
terephthalate MP films by marine bacteria. Six samples of marine organisms were collected from two
marine caves in July 2020, close to the city of Sagres in southern Portugal. Bacterial communities were
then recovered from these samples. Plastic polymers used in this study came from commercially available
plastic bags: one plastic bag from a supermarket made of petroleum-based, low-density polyethylene
(LDPE), and a plastic bag from a local shop labeled as "biodegradable", made of polyethylene
terephthalate (BPET). The authors described this local shop bag as being composed of "biobased" PET,
which presents the same chemical structure as conventional PET. Biobased plastics may contain additives
that accelerate the oxidation process so they can still be more prone to biodegradation in the natural
environment than their conventional counterparts. Both plastic bags were cut into MP films under sterile
conditions and then further sterilized under UV radiation, which also served to mimic photodegradation.
Particles of LDPE and BPET were exposed to control and experimental conditions. During experimental
treatments, 10 LDPE or BPET MPs were immersed in marine waters enriched with bacteria. Bacterial
growth and pH were found to be higher in the samples inoculated with bacteria, compared to the controls.
Changes were found in the chemical functional groups, and fractures and biofilms were detected on the
surface of both plastics exposed to the bacterial community. The chemical oxygen demand further
indicated signs of biodegradation of both polymers. Specific groups of bacteria showed a preference for
each type of MP. Biobased PET was determined to be no more prone to biodegradation than conventional,
petroleum-based LDPE. The authors suggested that the metabolic pathways of additional bacteria groups
be further studied to assess their potential for bioremediation purposes.

Removal of Microplastics in Water: Technology Progress and Green Strategies
Wei Gao, Yalin Zhang, Aoyun Mo, Jie Jiang, Yuqing Liang, Xiaomu Cao, Defu He
This review discussed existing technologies for the removal of MPs, including physical, chemical, and
biological approaches, and described some of their attributes, challenges, and downsides. For example,
filtration technology was found to have removal efficiency but is also associated with relatively high costs
due to membrane fouling and replacement of filter membranes. Magnetic Adsorption Separation (MAS)
was described as a simple removal method; however, additive sorbents employed in this method were
found to potentially result in secondary pollution, therefore limiting the large-scale application of these
technologies. The article concluded with a discussion of environmentally friendly approaches and
priorities for future action. For example, the authors suggested that environmentally friendly or biology-

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based materials and reagents, such as starch and biochar, are encouraged for use as adsorbents and
coagulators. The article also highlighted the importance of source control and the reduction of the amount
of plastic waste, which the authors suggest could be achieved via reducing the production of conventional
nondegradable plastic, using alternative materials such as recycled or biodegradable products, and
recycling and reusing plastic products. Additionally, it was asserted that legislation on plastics production,
waste management, and the use of alternative materials should be reinforced in the future.

If you'd like to see your posting in this email, please email
Nandi.Romell@ei)a.gov with any suggestions!

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