Alaska Pacific University (APU) is leading a large research and education project to better understand and address the growing problem of microplastics—tiny plastic particles found in water, air, and food. In support of this important work, NASA has “awarded APU approximately $5 million over five years to create a Microplastics Research and Education Center, based at APU’s Anchorage, Alaska campus.”

This new center brings together scientists, educators, and students from different institutions to study how microplastics affect the environment, especially in freshwater and Arctic ecosystems. It also focuses on raising public awareness and training future environmental researchers.

During the first year of the grant, APU has been working to expand the capabilities of its Alaska and Arctic Waterways Analytics (AAWA) Lab. The goal is to match the technical standards of top microplastic labs in California, allowing APU to conduct high-quality, region-specific research on microplastic pollution.

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