A laser directed infared image that shows the size, shape and material characterizations of scanned microplastics that are between 10 and 990 microns.
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As concerns over water pollution grow, Lisa Emili, an associate professor of physical geography and environmental studies at Penn State Altoona, is conducting research to understand how microplastics and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals," interact in aquatic ecosystems. Her work aims to uncover how these pollutants accumulate in rivers and wetlands and the risks they may pose to both wildlife and humans.
Microplastics, tiny plastic particles that have entered the environment since the 1950s, are becoming increasingly pervasive in freshwater systems. Emili’s team is investigating how these plastics move through rivers and streams and where they tend to accumulate.
We’re mapping ‘hot spots’ of microplastic accumulation and studying whether these areas serve as long-term sinks or if the plastics are eventually washed out by rising river flows, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.—Lisa Emili , associate professor of physical geography and environmental studies
“We know that microplastics get trapped in certain environments, but exactly how much and where is still a mystery,” Emili said. “We’re mapping ‘hot spots’ of microplastic accumulation and studying whether these areas serve as long-term sinks or if the plastics are eventually washed out by rising river flows, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.”
Her research goes a step further by examining how microplastics interact with PFAS — chemicals that when found at certain levels have been linked to health and environmental risks. Known for their resistance to degradation, PFAS often adhere to microplastics, making the environmental threat of these plastics even more complex.
“Microplastics tend to act like magnets for other pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and PFAS,” Emili said. “By studying which pollutants are hitching a ride on these plastics, we can better assess the potential risks to ecosystems and human health.”
A key part of Emili’s research is supported by Penn State’s Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory, where advanced tools like laser direct infrared (LDIR) and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) allow her team to precisely measure the mass of both plastics and attached chemicals. This technology enables Emili to quantify not just the presence of microplastics, but also the volume of harmful substances they carry.
“This technology is a game-changer for our research,” Emili said. “It allows us to not only measure plastic levels in the environment but also track the pollutants they transport. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for creating effective clean-up strategies and informing environmental policy.”
By studying which pollutants are hitching a ride on these plastics, we can better assess the potential risks to ecosystems and human health.—Lisa Emili , associate professor of physical geography and environmental studies
Emili said her passion for microplastics research began unexpectedly, during a student-led project that uncovered microplastics in an unlikely place — a central Pennsylvania drinking water reservoir.
“That discovery really shifted my focus,” Emili said. “We didn’t expect to find microplastics in such a rural area, but there they were. It opened my eyes to how widespread this issue really is.”
Currently, Emili’s team is expanding their research to study PFAS contamination in major waterways like the Delaware River. Her work was recently highlighted at the Society for Freshwater Science, where it was praised for uncovering new dimensions of pollution in aquatic systems.
“This research is not just about advancing science — it’s about making a real-world impact,” Emili said. “By collaborating with the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory and mentoring the next generation of environmental scientists, we’re not only tackling today’s pollution challenges but also preparing for tomorrow’s."
