Current Research

Our current research involves conducting on-the-water sampling to collect, measure, and analyze microplastics in the inland and coastal waters of Charleston, South Carolina—including the Charleston Harbor—and in the Atlantic Ocean along South Carolina’s east coast. We are gathering data that we will use for both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, and we are targeting our first scientific publication and conference presentation in early 2027.

Summer 2026 Pilot Study: Exploring the Interplay of Population Density and Microplastics in Charleston, SC

Microplastics are pervasive in the environment. Yet, little is known about their distribution and movement in waterways relative to population density.

Our Summer 2026 Pilot Study has three key areas of focus: (i) replicating existing sampling methods to demonstrate feasibility; and (ii) contributing to the global mapping of microplastics by sampling interconnected creeks, rivers, nearshore, and offshore waterways; and, (iii) examining the correlation between population density and marine microplastic density in adjacent and nearby waterways. 

Microplastics samples will be collected with multiple trawls and vessels. We will also collect data about the specific waterways from which samples are taken, including geographic, atmospheric, and water characteristics. Microplastic samples will be analyzed for size, shape, color, and density with a focus on comparing the samples from our different testing locations.

This study is designed to contribute to the standardization of sampling methods in the field of microplastics research and inform local efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of microplastics on the ecosystem and human health.

Update: Microplastics Sampling Completed in September 2026

We completed the sampling for our Summer 2026 Pilot Study in September. We took a total of 24 samples from six different locations--ranging from inland waterways to the Atlantic Ocean. We have finished processing our samples as well, and our focus is now on analyzing our samples, analyzing our data, and beginning the scientific writing process.