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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3663-0508
Access Type
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
thesis
Embargo Period
8-28-2023
Degree Program
Plant & Soil Sciences
Degree Type
Master of Science (M.S.)
Year Degree Awarded
2023
Month Degree Awarded
September
Abstract
Microplastics are an emerging environmental contaminant. One of the ways microplastics can get into the environment is by the breakdown of larger plastics. These plastics can come from industrial practices, discarded fabrics, agriculture, and general plastic waste. As these plastics are broken down microplastics leach into the environment. The widespread use of plastics has resulted in the spread of microplastic contaminants all over the world. Microplastics have been reported to be in drinking water, so this paper is looking at the presence of microplastics in local communities of different demographics and socioeconomic statuses. In other studies of different drinking water contamination, minority, and low-income communities had worse quality water. In this paper, methods for sampling, extraction, and analysis with Laser Direct Infrared Spectroscopy were used. Out of Cities A, B, and C, City A, with the largest population, higher percentage of minorities, and worse off socioeconomic status, had the highest particle count. More research is needed in this field to find how socioeconomic status can affect exposure to microplastic contamination.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/35986846.0
First Advisor
Baoshan Xing
Second Advisor
Masoud Hashemi
Third Advisor
Om Parkash Dhankher
Recommended Citation
Rattell, Zachary T., "Microplastics in Local Communities’ Tap Water" (2023). Masters Theses. 1340.
https://doi.org/10.7275/35986846.0
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/1340
Included in
Environmental Health Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons