Gonzalez Estrella awarded in fight against microplastics

Gonzalez Estrella awarded in fight against microplastics

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Communications Specialist | 405-744-5831 | [email protected]

Dr. Jorge Gonzalez Estrella, assistant professor of environmental engineering, is working to make an impact with his prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award.

The award celebrates Gonzalez Estrella's research on the environmental impact of micro- and nanoplastics from open burning of solid waste in underserved communities.

Gonzalez Estrella's research dives into three critical areas: the release of organic carbon and additives from partially burned microplastics, the movement of these microplastics through sediments, and the contaminants' effects on the soil biochemical cycle.

His goal is to deepen the understanding of the reactivity and mobility of microplastics and to spread this knowledge to communities lacking proper waste management facilities.

Micrography of microplastics used by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez Estrella's research group.

A significant component of Gonzalez Estrella's project is community outreach. He plans to host summer workshops for high school students, focusing on designing affordable devices for detecting microplastics. In collaboration with OSU's solid waste extension cohort, he also aims to educate farmers on reducing open burning practices.

"The open dumping issue affects about 2 billion people around the world," Gonzalez Estrella said. "In the United States, this issue primarily affects remote and underserved communities, including farmers, Native American communities, and those in rural areas. It's also a common practice in parts of Latin America, some regions in Europe, Africa, Oceania and Asia."

Witnessing the environmental devastation caused by open dumping and burning in Mexico from a young age, Gonzalez Estrella's love for nature fueled his passion to pursue a career dedicated to solving this pressing issue.

Despite plastics' dual nature as both a commercial boon and an environmental bane, Gonzalez Estrella is determined to mitigate their adverse effects.

"We have left a mark on Earth through plastics. They are an indicator that humans were here. It is important that we improve upon the use of plastics to change our legacy," Gonzalez Estrella said.

Receiving this award is a testament to Gonzalez Estrella's dedication and the collective effort of his students, collaborators, friends and family. He credits Oklahoma State University's support and state-of-the-art facilities for his success.

With only 12 awards granted this year in his program area and coming from an underrepresented background in science, Gonzalez Estrella feels both fortunate and motivated to pave the way for more career awards at OSU.

His work is not just about scientific discovery; it's about forging a cleaner, healthier future for communities worldwide.

Photos by: Desa James

Story by: Desa James | IMPACT Magazine

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