Our Work
We are studying the scope and impacts of the marine microplastics problem. This problem exists on a global scale; and, by nearly all accounts, is continuing to get worse. Microplastics pose significant risks to the marine environment and to humans. Not only is the consumption of microplastics potentially dangerous itself, but studies have shown that microplastics can absorb heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pathogens as well. Studies have also shown that 20% to 40% of marine microbes are infected by viruses—which can be attributed in part to their consumption of contaminated microplastics
Marine microbes are a part of the global food chain. As a result, the risks that microplastics in the world’s inland and ocean waterways extend beyond the marine environment itself. We are conducting research in the inland, coastal, and offshore waters of Charleston, South Carolina, but the implications of our research span around the world.
On a broad scale, some of the key questions we are working to answer include:
How are microplastics affecting the health of the ecosystem?
- Microplastics in local fish catches
- Prolonged health implications of accumulated microplastics
- Food web changes due to the influence of microplastics on microorganisms
- The influence of microplastics on the ocean’s carbon cycle
How can socio-ecological management of coastal communities be improved?
- Accumulation and distribution of microplastics
- Identification of mitigation strategies
- Global mapping, including monitoring the movement of microplastics movement from nearshore to offshore
- Microplastic distribution across varying depths in the water column
How can methods for researching microplastics contamination be standardized on a global scale?
- Comparing existing tools for microplastics sampling
- Developing standard microplastic analysis methods with emphasis on reporting multiple measurements
- Coupling in-situ measurement with simulation models and satellite data
- Public education and awareness regarding microplastics sampling
Current Research
Our current work is focused in three areas:
Cross-Sectional Studies of Microplastics and Their Impacts on the Marine Environment
We are conducting cross-sectional studies of microplastics and their impacts on the marine environment in Charleston, South Carolina and off of the Atlantic Coast. These short-term studies provide an opportunity to efficiently publish statistically significant data that can be used to advocate and effect change. We are conducting these studies on the water, which provides opportunities that do not exist with shore-based water testing.
A Longitudinal Study of the Marine Microplastics Problem
We are also gathering the data needed to conduct a longitudinal study of the marine microplastics problem. This is a long-term effort that will track how the presence of microplastics in the marine environment and their impacts evolve over time. We plan to report the interim findings of this research periodically while continuing to gather and examine relevant data on an ongoing basis.
Developing Standards for Citizen Science Examining Microplastics in the Water
Another project we are currently working on is developing standards for citizen science examining microplastics in the water. Citizen-scientists can gather data and share their findings with Following Seas and other organizations, but their data are only useful if they can be interpreted and used in scientific studies. This requires accepted and scalable standardization that does not yet exist. As we contribute to standards for citizen science, we will make them publicly available.
Learn more about our current research.
Work with Following Seas Marine Impact Research, Inc.
Following Seas Marine Impact Research, Inc. is a South Carolina nonprofit corporation devoted to conducting on-the-water testing. If your organization needs data that requires on-the-water testing, we invite you to get in touch to discuss how we might be able to help.
Learn more about working with Following Seas.