Challenging Assumptions

Previously, scientists around the world assumed that synthetic clothing primarily shed microfibers during washing, and that wastewater from our homes and businesses was responsible for most of the environmental contamination. Our investigations turned this assumption on its head by demonstrating that urban stormwater runoff transports far more fibers to aquatic ecosystems. Follow-up studies from around the world have confirmed our findings. 

We continue to lead developing critical data that reframes our scientific understanding of microfiber sources and solutions. Future work includes air monitoring to gather much-needed information about the movement of microfibers through the air and assessing plastic additives in microfibers. Our research uses innovative analytical methods and fills critical data gaps to inform pollution prevention efforts at local, state, and federal levels.