Environmental Micro- and Nanoplastics: Behavior, Fate, and (Maybe) a Better Model

This event sponsored by FAMU-FSU Engineering Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering.

Abstract: The prevalence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in natural waters is driven by the large amount of plastic production and significant release of plastic waste (either intended or unintended) into the environment. Once in aquatic environments, MNP behavior will depend on the many complex surface interactions with other components in the water column. This seminar will focus on factors that influence MNP behavior in the environment, including how plastics will be weathered by their surroundings, and current efforts to create MNPs that are more representative of what we observe and expect in the environment. Our findings help to frame how we might think about MNP fate in order to consider and predict the environmental impact of these ubiquitous particles.

Jeffrey M. Farner
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

Bio: Dr. Jeffrey M. Farner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. His research interests focus on understanding the fate and transport of emerging particulate contaminants such as engineered nanomaterials and microand nanoplastics through investigation of the physical and chemical interactions of these particles in the natural environment. Ongoing research studying the role of aggregation and surface interactions includes nanoparticle reactivity to better understand the unintended consequences of engineered nanomaterials in consumer products and the potential for nano-based water disinfection and remediation strategies. Dr. Farner received his B.S. in Chemistry from Purdue University, after which he performed environmental water monitoring and analytical chemistry for the state of Iowa’s public health laboratory. Following his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Duke University, he completed a PDF at McGill University where he began investigating the fate, transport, and detection of MNPs. Dr. Farner also holds adjunct faculty status at the University of Alberta, where he was an Assistant Professor from 2020-2023.