Important Microplastics Research Receives Park Foundation Grant

By Jessica Troskosky, July 1, 2020
Funds will support students’ real-world experience while investing in our environment.
students taking water samples near a waterfall

Francesca Germano ’20 (left) and Bruce Franz ’21 in front of Ludlowville falls after collecting a water sample. 

(Photo by Savanna Lenker '20)

Francesca Germano ’20 (left) and Bruce Franz ’21 in front of Ludlowville falls after collecting a water sample. 

(Photo by Savanna Lenker '20)

We are all familiar with Ithaca College's beautiful and tranquil Cayuga Lake view. But what many may not know is that the serene lake is not immune to the microplastic pollution increasingly seen all over the world. Susan Allen, a professor in the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences at Ithaca College, investigated the issue and found with her first Park Foundation grant that the lake contains more than 100 million microplastic particles. These pollutants threaten aquatic life, contaminate the food chain and may affect human health.

Allen was awarded a 2-year, $40,000 grant from the Park Foundation to continue her research and determine the origin of the microplastics.

“It is hard to stop the microplastics contamination if you don’t understand the source of the pollution,” said Allen. “With this grant, we will study major tributaries, snow, and water treatment effluent in connection with Cayuga Lake. We'll then develop action plans to reduce plastic use and encourage proper disposal.”

“Studying microplastics is relatively new, which means there is a lot of trial and error and much to learn. Participating in this project gave me real-world experience. But more importantly, it helped me understand that, as an environmentalist, you must be steadfast and innovative to get the right results that will influence change.”

Bruce Franz ’21, an environmental science student

Allen’s research students will have the opportunity to take part in the project when they return to campus. They will help with field collection, lab work, database management and analysis. Through their work, microplastic source data, the state of microplastics pollution in Cayuga Lake, and potential ecological impacts will be uncovered.

Bruce Franz ’21, an environmental science student, participated in the first research grant project. He collected lake water samples and identified microplastics in the lab.

“Studying microplastics is relatively new, which means there is a lot of trial and error and much to learn,” said Franz. “Participating in this project gave me real-world experience. But more importantly, it helped me understand that, as an environmentalist, you must be steadfast and innovative to get the right results that will influence change.”

students with a net

(From left) Francesca Germano ’20, Bruce Franz ’21 and Tom Minett ’20 collect water samples at the base of Ludlowville falls to be brought back to the lab for processing.

(Photo by Savanna Lenker '20)

(From left) Francesca Germano ’20, Bruce Franz ’21 and Tom Minett ’20 collect water samples at the base of Ludlowville falls to be brought back to the lab for processing.

(Photo by Savanna Lenker '20)

In addition to the hands-on experience, Allen’s research has helped students identify their passions in the field. Francesca Germano ’20, found through her participation in the project that she was most interested in learning about pollutants in the environment. “The project has inspired me to change my career path. I am now applying to environmental toxicology graduate programs,” said Germano.

The research project will be conducted in collaboration with Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), and Discover Cayuga Lake (DCL). Through the partners’ scientists, innovative technologies, and commitment to understanding the impacts of microplastics, the project will not only uncover where microplastics are coming from, but also educate the community on how to help curb the pollution. 

“Starting today, people can evaluate the amount of plastics they have in their lives and look to reduce use, recycle appropriately, and dispose of properly to help make a difference.”

Susan Allen, Professor of Environmental Studies and Science

professor and students on boat

(From left) Susan Allen, professor of environmental studies and science; Bruce Franz ’21, Tom Minett ’20, Francesca Germano ’20, and Kendall Wald ’21 aboard the Discover Cayuga Lake Teal after giving a presentation to community members.

“Strong collaboration between research and outreach is critical to drive awareness, propel legislation, and reduce the pollution,” said Allen.

CCE will assist in a new program aimed at educating the community. They will develop easy-to-digest videos, infographics, and information on reduced use and increased recycling of plastics. DCL will collaborate with IC to host informational tours open to all community members and legislators.

“While the results of this research project will provide data and insights needed to better understand where microplastics are coming from, we don’t need to wait for the results to make an immediate impact,” said Allen. “Starting today, people can evaluate the amount of plastics they have in their lives and look to reduce use, recycle appropriately, and dispose of properly to help make a difference.”