Spotlights
Paris Velasquez defends thesis on effects of microplastic biofilms on an urban lake
Paris Velasquez successfully defended her Master's thesis on July 5, 2024 titled "Effects of Microplastic Biofilms on an Anthropogenically Impacted Urban Lake". Her thesis committee included Drs. Al Steinman, Charlyn Partridge, and Sarah Hamsher.
Paris's research investigated how storm events transport microplastics (tiny plastic fragments) from a nearby highway into an urban lake in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Across a year of water and sediment sampling, she discovered significant concentrations of microplastics, especially during storms and in winter. These tiny plastics not only pollute the water but also pose threats to wildlife and water quality. Additionally, I studied how microplastics affect the lake’s ecosystem by fostering unique microbial communities (termed the plastisphere) and altering phosphorus levels. The findings highlight the need to consider road runoff in environmental protection efforts to minimize pollution impacts on our lakes and streams.
After graduate school, Paris plans to pursue environmental consulting and to give back to her community and the environment.
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