Freshwater Plastic Pollution

While there has been much study and media attention focused on the spread of microplastics into our oceans, Sam has emerged as a leader in the small but growing study of their effects on lakes and rivers far from the coasts.

In 2018, The Heinz Family Foundation named Dr. Sherri Mason as the recipient of the prestigious 23rd Heinz Award in the Public Policy category. She is recognized for her groundbreaking research identifying the presence of microbeads and microfibers in freshwater, and for raising awareness of the potential impact of microplastics and associated contaminants on the food chain and human health, resulting in state, federal, and international policy change.

Her work has drawn international attention to the threats posed by microplastics in freshwater and led to the enactment of the federal Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. Other countries are following suit. The Canadian and New Zealand governments banned microbeads in early 2018, and the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Sweden and other Scandinavian countries are rolling out bans on microbead-laden products over the next two years. To date, 448 brands from 119 different manufacturers have promised to remove plastic microbeads from their products.

Dr. Mason is also using her expertise to expand her focus to include the presence of microplastics in drinking water. In March 2018, the results of a study conducted by Dr. Mason analyzed bottled water from nine countries — the U.S., China, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Lebanon, Kenya and Thailand — and found that 93 percent showed some contamination from microplastics, or plastic debris less than one millimeter in length. Microplastics have also been found in samples of sea salt, freshwater sediment and even in air samples.

She currently serves in the role of Sustainability Coordinator at Penn State University, Behrend.

Sherri Mason: Freshwater Plastic Pollution

by Sherri Mason

Sherri Mason Transcript

Orion Magazine - Duke Riley: This Artist Creates Stunning Works Out of Ocean Trash.

PBS NewsHour – How innovation and Small Steps can Help us Solve The Plastic Problem.

PBS Lesson Plan that accompanies The Plastic Problem, “How Student Inventors Can Help Solve the Earth’s Plastic Problem.”

MIT News, New Biodegradable Material

Click on the links below for Lesson Plans and Project Ideas

The Spark of Wonder

Scientific American, August 13, 2018, “Earth Has a Hidden Plastic Problem—Scientists Are Hunting It Down” with companion articles “From Fish to Humans, a Microplastic Invasion May Be Taking a Toll” and “Solving Microplastic Pollution Means Reducing, Recycling, and Fundamental Rethinking” A subscription to Scientific American may be necessary to access.

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0:26

01. Intro to Recording

Sherri Mason
6:33

02. Plastic Is Everywhere

Sherri Mason
5:09

03. Microbeads and Microfibers

Sherri Mason
3:45

Track 04 Legislation

SPI-Sherri Mason
7:34

05. Tap and Bottled Water Studies

Sherri Mason
5:28

06. Why We Need More Scientists / Call to Action

Sherri Mason