Life Sciences Seminar: Processes of Environmental Plastic Weathering and Biodegradation in Natural Systems

Life Sciences Seminar
Processes of Environmental Plastic Weathering and Biodegradation in Natural Systems (and how to study them)

Dr. Melissa Duhaime
Assistant Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Affiliate Department of Computation Biology and Bioinformatics,
University of Michigan

Zoom Link Registration

Abstract:
Plastic waste pervades in the environment, representing material resource loss and environmental health risk. Plastic has been documented in widespread and diverse marine, freshwater, and atmospheric environments. It is estimated that 4.8-12.7 million tons of plastic enters the ocean in a single year. This number is on track to rise exponentially, reflecting the global rate of plastic goods production. From both environmental health and resource sustainability perspectives, there is global interest in reducing the amount of plastic debris accumulation in Earth’s waterways. Debris prevention and mitigation options for macroplastics are emerging, however microplastic (<5mm) debris mitigation is an undeveloped yet important field. To effectively target major sources and pathways on a global scale, the question remains: What is the physical fate of plastic once in the oceans and major fresh waterways? Our work is to experimentally resolve the knowledge gaps regarding the fate of plastic debris in freshwater systems. In both in situ and laboratory settings, we have studied UV and bio-degradation as individual isolated processes, as well as their cumulative cross effects on polyolefin products designed for packaging applications. We have found that microbial colonization of plastics is specific to polymer formulation, studied the mechanisms of polyethylene degradation by bacteria and fungi, and have determined the rates of biofilm growth in the environment, which is essential to the hydrodynamics that underlie plastic transport models.

Speaker Bio:
Was born in Ithaca and grew up in a small town in upstate NY. Studied microbiology at Cornell University, and worked on research projects at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute before studying at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany, for Masters and PhD. Following a short postdoc at the University of Arizona, Dr. Duhaime moved to University of Michigan where she is now an Assistant Professor. Through her research and teaching, Dr. Duhaime, has applied her expertise in microbial ecology to address pressing Great Lakes issues such as microplastics pollution, algal blooms, avian botulism, and oil pipeline risks. She contributes a strong profile as an engaged community scholar, having testified before the US Senate on microplastics pollution in the Great Lakes, trained as a Science Communication Fellow with the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and hosted and participated in numerous science outreach events, from improv comedy and science classroom programs in Detroit to Science Cafés and regular museum appearances in Ann Arbor.

Intended Audience:
Beginners, undergraduates, graduates. Those with interest in the topic.

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