280250 VU Interactions of Micro- and Nano-plastics with Environmental Media and Contaminants (2023W)

Microplastics pollution is a global environmental problem with increasing concern. The course will focus on current understanding of the environmental interfacial chemical processes of microplastics from different sources, as well as future research needs. Some of the key issues will include: (1) formation and characteristics of the different types of realistic microplastics; (2) individual and coupled processes of physical, chemical, and biological transformation of the microplastics; (3) characteristics and determinants of the release of toxic additives from the microplastics under environmental conditions; (4) interactions of the microplastics with mineral colloids, dissolved organic matter, and microbes and the effects of these interactions on the environmental behaviors of the microplastics; and (5) interaction of the microplastics with other pollutants. The course will be taught mainly through lectures by the tutor, but will also include in-class discussion.