RII-Track 2 FEC: Advancing Social and Environmental Equity through Plastics Research: Education, Innovation, and Inclusion (ASPIRE)

University Of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg MS

Investigators

Abstract

Plastics have transformed and broadly benefited modern society; however, the generation and management of plastics and plastic waste are fundamentally intertwined with environmental pollution. Mismanaged plastic lifecycles irrecoverably commit non-renewable resources to either pyrolysis processes or to landfills, which generates substantial greenhouse gas emissions and produces microplastic pollution. This Research Infrastructure Improvement Focused EPSCoR Collaborations project will enable researchers from institutions in two EPSCoR jurisdictions, including the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and Auburn University (AU), to establish a transdisciplinary program to address plastic waste challenges. The team will assess the impact of microplastics on marine, aquaculture, and community health, develop blend compatibilizers to improve mixed polyolefin recycling, and create next-generation bio-sourced polymers. The project features a comprehensive workforce development and training plan that focuses on enhancing the skills and competencies of researchers, students, and industry professionals. A robust outreach program will foster community engagement through setting up research exhibits along the coast, leading hands-on expeditions for plastic debris removal from beaches, and enhancing recycling infrastructure. These plans are strategically designed to promote sustainable practices and knowledge transfer for long-term impact on participating jurisdictions. The transdisciplinary Advancing Social and Environmental Equity through Plastics Research: Education, Innovation, and Inclusion (ASPIRE) project seeks to mitigate the negative impacts of plastic pollution on vulnerable coastal communities in AL and MS, leveraging innovative research, education, and outreach. ASPIRE will integrate the fields of polymer science, chemistry, (bio)engineering, social/health science, and marine ecology. Specifically, project teams at the USM and AU will: 1) develop advanced detection methods to analyze microplastic contamination in field and aquaculture samples, pairing these findings with community health and behavior surveys to identify microplastic-to-human exposure pathways; 2) synthesize blend compatibilizers containing dynamic crosslinkers to enhance mixed polyolefin recycling, extending the lifespan and improving the performance of recycled products for sustained use; and 3) design inherently recyclable polymer thermosets comprised of dynamic crosslinks using sustainable, bio-derived building blocks, concurrently establishing fundamental chemistry-structure-property relationships. Technology development within these projects will be informed by technoeconomic and life cycle analysis to ensure maximized sustainability and economic feasibility. The program will engage coastal community stakeholders, providing targeted training to local small businesses and focusing on effective plastic waste management. ASPIRE strives to enhance opportunities and elevate the quality of life in Mississippi and Alabama. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.