Morgan Chaudry

First year PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant in the Plant and Environmental Science program at Clemson University.

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First year PhD student and Graduate Research Assistant in the Plant and Environmental Science program at Clemson University.

Contact Me

Microplastics

WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS? Microplastics are pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm. You may have heard about them in the context of marine systems, like in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but they pollute freshwater systems, too!

WHY ARE MICROPLASTICS BAD? Microplastics can adsorb other harmful environmental contaminants onto their surface and transport them around ecosystems- or into organisms. For smaller organisms, the ingestion of microplastics may disrupt normal bodily functions and make them feel full. This prevents the uptake of necessary nutrients and could cause organisms to starve. Larger organisms may take up microplastics from their environment, or may eat smaller organisms that have microplastics in them, which can impact them in a similar fashion. Ultimately, there is still much unknown about the impacts of microplastics on organisms and the environment, but more research is being done every day to improve our knowledge.

WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION? Point source microplastic pollution (meaning there is a specific place they're coming from) includes wastewater treatment plants, which may distribute microplastics in effluent. While wastewater treatment plants have a high removal efficiency of microplastics, many are ill-equipped to completely prevent microplastic contamination and may release millions of microplastics into receiving streams every day. Non-point source microplastic pollution is trickier- this type of pollution doesn't have a clear source to be tracked back to, including litter, car tires, shedding from synthetic clothing, etc. Non-point sources of microplastics may be transported by rainfall from the terrestrial environment into waterways, making it difficult to prevent.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION? Lower or stop your use of products with plastic in them (which is easier said than done)! Reducing the amount of single use plastics you use can lower the amount of plastic going into landfills or into the natural environment, preventing the fragmentation into microplastics. Also, advocating for policy changes at both local and state government levels may impact how plastic is being handled. For example, did you know that Michigan has a ban on banning plastic bags?

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About Me

My Research

I studied in the Judd aquatics lab for four years, starting during my undergraduate degree. My M.S. thesis research focused on quantifying the non-point sources of microplastics in the Huron River, as well as how microplastics and other environmental pollutants impact filter feeding organisms. Currently, I am studying coastal water quality at Clemson University with Dr. Stefanie Whitmire.

My statement on diversity, Equity, and inclusion

I have a strong commitment to achieving equity and promoting the inclusion of people of all backgrounds. I believe that diversity, especially in STEM, makes us stronger. I aim to create a comfortable and safe environment in my classroom and for the groups I am involved in, as well as help my students and peers with achieving their professional goals.

My teaching

I worked as a graduate teaching assistant for an introductory biology course (BIO 111) at EMU for two years. Additionally, I mentored multiple undergraduate and high school students. I have a strong passion for mentoring and teaching students, and would like to become a professor after attaining my PhD.

My accolades

I have been supported by both the undergraduate and graduate Don Brown & Meta Hellwig Research Fellowships, in 2020 and 2022, respectively. I have presented my work at the Stewardship Network Conference and EMU's Graduate Research Conference. Additionally, I have collaborated with fellow lab members on articles about our current research on microplastics, published in the Michigan Riparian magazine.

publications

Evaluating Non-Point Source Microplastic Pollution and Its Impact on Biota in the Huron River

Microplastics

MY Goals

About Me

My Research

My statement on diversity, Equity, and inclusion

My teaching

My accolades

Curriculum vitae

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