DEKALB, IL — Not much is known about the impacts of microplastics in our environment, except that there’s a lot—and it doesn’t go away or biodegrade like many other materials.

The widespread and rapidly accumulating presence of microplastics in waterways and the air poses a concern for potential risks to living creatures. Microplastics are unknowingly ingested by a wide range of animals, including people. It’s in our blood, and in our brains.

Now NIU faculty and student researchers are using cutting-edge technology to learn more, focusing on identifying and quantifying microplastics in creeks, rivers and groundwater. Their work is taking them across the region—and around the world.

Learn more about the research in the accompanying video from the second annual “Huskie Trek Talks: Ideas in Motion.”

Media Contact: Tom Parisi

About NIU

Northern Illinois University is a student-centered, nationally recognized public research university, with expertise that benefits its region and spans the globe in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, humanities, arts, business, engineering, education, health and law. The Wall Street Journal and CollegeNET recognize NIU as a leading institution for social mobility, or helping its students climb the socioeconomic ladder. Through its main campus in DeKalb, Illinois, and education centers for students and working professionals in Chicago, Naperville and Rockford, NIU offers more than 100 areas of study while serving a diverse and international student body.