Conference: Micro-Nano Plastics in Water: Characterization, Cure and Prevention

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $50,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

2514460 (Wiesner). Plastics are ubiquitous in all aspects of modern life, including food packaging, clothing, health care, and household products. Plastics production has increased substantially over past decades, and serious attention is now paid to managing plastic wastes, especially recycling and reuse. It has not been feasible, either technically or economically, to achieve a fully circular system. Plastic materials that are not processed for reuse end up in landfills or in other waste processing systems (e.g., incineration) or advanced recycling facilities (e.g., pyrolysis) or are directly disposed of in the environment. In the environment, Micro-Nano-Plastics (MNP) may be generated through incomplete decomposition of the materials. These MNP enter the air, soil, and water environments where plants, animals, and humans may be exposed. The widespread, global use of plastics, including in ocean environments, concerns the public and the research community. There have been reports of MNP being found in drinking water supplies of major cities, as well as in human blood and tissue, raising concerns over potential public health risks. This award will help support scientists and engineers to participate in a conference on "Micro-Nano Plastics in Water: Characterization, Cure and Prevention," which will be held in Davos, Switzerland on July 5-11, 2025. The conference will engage in a multi-faceted exploration of the MNP issue, with an emphasis on finding reasonable solutions.

Key facts

NSF award ID
2514460
Awardee
Engineering Conferences International, Inc. (NY)
SAM.gov UEI
DB5QZX5KYP83
PI
Mark R Wiesner
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOPS
Estimated total
$50,000
Funds obligated
$50,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/15/2025 → 11/30/2025