A Glimpse into the Future of Science at the 20th Annual School of Science Student Research Conference
April 2022
Imagine a room buzzing with the energy of hundreds of young minds who have spent months, even years, probing the deepest questions of the natural world.
This isn't a scene from a prestigious international lab, but the vibrant atmosphere of a university's Student Research Conference. These events are the cradle of future Nobel laureates, groundbreaking researchers, and innovative problem-solvers. The work presented here isn't just for a grade; it's the first real step into the vast frontier of human knowledge.
In this article, we'll dive into one such project from the 20th Annual Conference, exploring how a team of undergraduate researchers tackled a pressing environmental issue: the invisible threat of microplastics .
Before we get to the experiment, let's break down the key concepts.
Simply put, microplastics are tiny plastic fragments smaller than 5mm—about the size of a sesame seed or smaller. They come from two main sources:
These particles are pervasive. They've been found from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain peaks, and even in our food and water .
Their small size makes them easily ingested by wildlife, potentially causing physical harm, leaching toxic chemicals, and entering the food web—with consequences we are only beginning to understand .
Microplastics have been detected in over 114 aquatic species, and more than 50% of those are consumed by humans .
A team of environmental science students set out to answer a critical local question: How do seasonal weather changes affect the concentration and type of microplastics in our urban river?
The team followed a meticulous process over six months to capture a seasonal snapshot.
They chose three sampling sites along the river: Site A (upstream, semi-rural), Site B (midstream, central urban area), and Site C (downstream, near the wastewater treatment plant outflow).
Once a month, they collected 100-liter water samples from each site using a specialized "plankton net" with a fine mesh designed to trap tiny particles.
The collected material was filtered in the lab. To isolate the plastic from organic matter, they used a gentle hydrogen peroxide solution to digest any natural material like leaves or algae.
Under a microscope, they sorted the remaining particles by type (fiber, fragment, film, bead) and color. A subset was then analyzed using a Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer to confirm the polymer type (e.g., polyester, polyethylene).
The results painted a clear and concerning picture of the river's health.
The team found a strong correlation between heavy rainfall and a spike in microplastic concentration. This suggests that stormwater runoff from city streets is a significant source, washing plastic litter into the river system.
Across all seasons and sites, microfibers—likely from synthetic clothing like polyester and nylon—were the most common type of particle found. This points to laundry wastewater as a persistent and major contributor.
As expected, Site B (urban center) and Site C (near wastewater outflow) consistently showed higher concentrations than the upstream Site A, confirming the impact of human activity.
| Sampling Site | Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Site A (Upstream) | 12.5 | 18.2 | 15.1 | 14.0 |
| Site B (Urban) | 24.8 | 45.6 | 28.3 | 26.1 |
| Site C (Outflow) | 32.1 | 52.3 | 35.5 | 33.8 |
Caption: Spring, with its heavy rains, shows a dramatic increase in concentration, especially in urban and outflow areas.
| Particle Type | Site A | Site B | Site C | Overall Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 68% | 72% | 75% | 71.7% |
| Fragment | 22% | 18% | 15% | 18.3% |
| Film | 8% | 7% | 6% | 7.0% |
| Bead | 2% | 3% | 4% | 3.0% |
Caption: Synthetic fibers are the dominant type of microplastic across all locations, highlighting the role of textiles and laundry.
| Polymer Type | Common Source | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester (PET) | Synthetic Clothing, Bottles | 41% |
| Polyethylene (PE) | Plastic Bags, Packaging | 28% |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Food Containers, Ropes | 15% |
| Nylon | Clothing, Fishing Nets | 10% |
| Other | Various | 6% |
Caption: The polymer analysis confirms the visual identification, with clothing-related polymers (Polyester, Nylon) being most prevalent.
Every detective needs their tools. Here's a look at the essential "reagent solutions" and materials that made this investigation possible.
The primary collection tool. It filters large volumes of water, trapping small particles while allowing water to pass through.
A crucial digesting agent. It breaks down organic material like plant matter and algae without damaging the synthetic microplastics.
A high-density salt solution used for density separation. Plastic particles float to the surface while denser minerals sink.
A fine, consistent paper used under a vacuum to capture and concentrate the microplastic particles from a liquid sample for analysis.
The definitive identification tool. It shines infrared light on a particle, and the unique "fingerprint" of absorbed light reveals its chemical identity (polymer type).
The work presented by these students is a powerful reminder that scientific discovery isn't confined to elite institutions.
By meticulously tracking the ebb and flow of microplastics in their local river, they didn't just complete a project; they generated valuable baseline data for their community and contributed a small but significant piece to the global puzzle of plastic pollution.
Conferences like the School of Science Student Research Conference are vital. They are where the scientists of tomorrow learn to ask tough questions, persevere through challenges, and share their findings with the world. The future of science is bright, and it's being written in university labs today .