Nanoplastic

We are interested in the environmental and public health risks associated with the accumulation of nanoplastics in the oceans. Macroscopic plastics in the environment experience persistent UV-induced and mechanical stress, resulting in the formation of nanoplastics. These plastics have been shown to directly impact marine life. However, less studied is the chemistry behind their tenure at sea and the implications this has with regard to their potential to mobilize other caustic compounds, such as carcinogens, into the environment and the food chain.