Dr Janice Brahney is Assistant Professor at Utah State University, and recently led a research team that has shown that microplastic particles are accumulating in even isolated areas in the United States (national parks and national wilderness areas), after they are transported there by wind and rain. The numbers are staggering. Based on their research findings, it is estimated that more than 1000 metric tons per year fall within south and central western U.S. protected areas. We talk to Janice about the research methods and staggering results that highlight a dire plastic pollution situation that needs immediate action.

This is a two-part conversation, with the second (and final) part released next week.

Useful links:

• Janice Brahney: https://uwrl.usu.edu/lro/people/faculty/brahney-janice
• Wired article “Plastic is the new acid rain”: https://www.wired.com/story/plastic-rain-is-the-new-acid-rain/
• Science article “Plastic rain in protected areas of the United States”: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/368/6496/1257
• Wired article “Microplastics Are Blowing Into the Pristine Arctic”: https://www.wired.com/story/microplastics-are-blowing-into-the-pristine-arctic/
• Wired article “A Shocking Find Shows Just How Far Wind Can Carry Microplastics”: https://www.wired.com/story/wind-microplastics/
• Wired article “'Microplastic Hot Spots' Are Tainting Deep-Sea Ecosystems”: https://www.wired.com/story/microplastic-hotspots/

For further information about Ocean Protect, check us out at www.oceanprotect.com.au

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