The American Chemistry Council has awarded $100,000 to researchers at Penn State Behrend. 

A team of polymer scientists is exploring the lower limits of microplastics and their potential impact in the environment, including Lake Erie. 

The study could shape the way scientists isolate and identify various plastics that are found in environment. This would help manufacturers better understand how polymers behave as they degrade, along with how other materials might minimize the risk to plant and animal life. 

“We’re trying to take a step back and look at this from a different perspective,” said Xiaoshi Zhang, an assistant professor of plastics engineering technology at Behrend and the lead researcher on the study. “We want to start by developing scientific approaches to understanding how plastics behave and how we can reliably detect them.”

As they degrade, plastics often break into smaller pieces. Researchers say the process isn't quick. It takes 50 years for a Styrofoam cup thrown into the ocean to fully degrade, according to the World Economic Forum. 

The study aligns with Behrend's Project RESOLVE. Project RESOLVE is a regional strategy for shifting the plastics, metal-casting and transportation industries to a circular economic model that addresses plastic pollution in and near Lake Erie.