Pennsylvania Sea Grant, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Regional Science Consortium, and Environment Erie will host a May 3 “The Perils of Plastic,” an evening presentation by Dr. Sherri Mason, a renowned plastic pollution researcher.

Dr. Mason and partners conducted the first-ever survey for plastic pollution within the fresh, open-waters of the Great Lakes (2012-2013). Their survey and research found plastic particles in each of the five Great Lakes.

The counts in Lakes Erie and Ontario rival those found in the world’s oceans. Mason and fellow researchers also found plastic microfibers in fish and birds that were tested.

“What surprised us the most is the size of the particles we found,” said Dr. Mason. “To date, seventy-five percent of the plastic we skim off the surface of the Great Lakes is tiny - between one third and one millimeter in diameter.”

Dr. Mason and partners hope to build up an understanding of the types and abundance of plastics within the Great Lakes and other freshwater systems, laying the groundwork for important additional investigations into their ecosystem impacts.

Dr. Mason’s presentation is being funded by The Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation.

Click Here to learn more about Dr. Mason, who is the Professor of Chemistry, and Chair of the Geology & Environmental Sciences Department at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

This event is free and open to the public at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie.

Seating capacity is limited to 175, so early arrival is highly recommended. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with presentation at 7:00 p.m.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Pennsylvania Sea Grant webpage.

[Posted: April 27, 2018]

4/30/2018