Fund Tyler and Felix's Alpine Microplastics Pollution Study

I'm reaching out today as part of a personal fundraising effort for a science research project my friend Felix and I are undertaking this summer to study microplastic contamination and pollution in freshwater sources. We will be collecting water samples to capture any evidence of microplastics in two regions: the Lake Tahoe watershed along the 173-mile Tahoe Rim Trail in California and Nevada, and the Grand Teton National Park river system in Wyoming. We chose these regions because the microplastic concentration in alpine zones, while previously documented, have not been as rigorously studied as oceanic and marine habitats. These alpine zones are equally as important, but far less understood. We hope our research will uncover insights about the concentration and composition of microplastics in these areas, as well as the means by which they reached these locations if present.

Our advisor for this research project is Mr. Greg Moretti, our high school environmental science teacher, but we're also in conversation with Dr. Kirsten Kapp, a professor of biological sciences at Central Wyoming College who has expressed interest in the results of our project. Additionally, we've received invaluable feedback from Ms. Joni Gord, a hydrologist at the Grand Teton National Park. In fact, she is sampling for microplastics in the Tetons this summer and has asked to join us for one of our field days!

To reach our research goals, we have forecast a budget of $2,500, which includes our two biggest expenditures: the peristaltic pump ($1,500) and the non-plastic tubing ($550) used to funnel water through the pump and filtration system. While we are committed to keeping costs as low as possible, we also need to balance maintaining scientific integrity. For example, not using plastic products (because of potential microplastic contamination) is a significant driver of costs.

We have raised a total of $1,000 so far and are seeking additional financial support to fully fund our research project. Any amount you can give to help us close the remaining $1,500 gap would be greatly appreciated.

If you have a science background, we would love to hear your feedback on this project, including the actual science components. See below for a more detailed outline of what we’re trying to accomplish.

Thanks for your interest and support!

Tyler Nichols (and Felix Ma)

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Project: Alpine Microplastics Pollution Study

The experiment we are conducting this summer is anchored in a series of field studies of the water systems in Tahoe and the Tetons. Our pre-planned routes cover a significant portion of the water systems in these two regions. At predetermined sampling points along the way, we will collect water samples by using a peristaltic pump to funnel large amounts of water (~30-50L) through a filtration system, capturing any evidence of microplastics. If funding allows, we will also track foundational water measurements, such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solid levels.

Once all the filtered samples have been acquired in the field, we plan to conduct analysis through a collaboration with a university lab or a third-party CRO. The samples will first be density-separated and treated with hydrogen peroxide to remove organic material. Then, a stereomicroscope will give preliminary estimates of raw microplastic quantity, while a micro-FTIR spectroscopy analysis will provide a more accurate count of the particulate matter, giving us insight into the composition of these pollutant particles. Based on our findings, we will write a research report, which we hope will contribute new insights on microplastic pollution and prevention in alpine zones.

Photos:

Testing the peristaltic pump, which I will carry with me on my 173-mile hike of the TRT!

Success!