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Plastic Pollution in Soil, Water & Air

From Small Particles to Great Solutions

Dr. Esperanza Huerta Lwanga, Dr. Mahrooz Rezaei, and Prof. dr. Bart Koelmans

The Menace of Widespread Plastic Pollution Today almost everyone has heard about the omnipresence of plastics. Plastic production has reached a critical level, infiltrating every aspect of our lives, from household items to industrial products. Not only do we find plastic litter in our cities and on our beaches. Plastic ends up as tiny particles in our food, drinking water and the air we breathe.

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The Menace of Widespread Plastic Pollution Today almost everyone has heard about the omnipresence of plastics. Plastic production has reached a critical level, infiltrating every aspect of our lives, from household items to industrial products. Not only do we find plastic litter in our cities and on our beaches. Plastic ends up as tiny particles in our food, drinking water and the air we breathe.

With that, plastic pollution has become a severe threat to our environment and health. The biggest problem is related to the degradation of plastic materials into micro plastics and nano plastics. These small particles easily move between different environmental systems.

Explore the life cycle of Plastic ParticlesOur renowned experts will take you along for a deep dive into the life cycle of plastic:

  • Sources: How plastic products enter the environment from different sources, causing land, air and water pollution;
  • Transport: How plastic waste spreads via the continuous movement of the cycle of plastics;
  • Effects: The effects of micro plastics on the environment, our food chain and human health; and
  • Risks: The risks of plastic pollution and how to assess the extent.

You will learn about how plastic moves through the earth system, breaking down into tiny plastic particles. Understand how these particles enter the air, soil, and water, and how they adversely affect life in all these systems.

Unraveling Plastic: Methods, Insights, and Interactive LearningJoin our team of international experts, like Dr. Esperanza Huerta Lwanga, Dr. Mahrooz Rezaei and Dr. Bart Koelmans. Learn to understand each step of the plastic cycle. Learn how to best study plastic pollution by reviewing different methods, like field research, lab research and computer modelling. Use the course's online videos and lectures, inspiring podcasts, reading materials, and interactive sessions with quizzes.

Solutions: Risk Assessment, Environmental Standards, and Stakeholder EngagementThis course on plastic particles also focuses on finding solutions. To protect our future and make a sustainable world, it's crucial to decrease plastic production and adopt eco-friendly alternatives. You will learn how to assess the risks of plastic pollution and the importance of environmental management standards. Additionally, understand how different stakeholders and interest groups, such as NGOs, play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution.

For whom is this course?Are you interested in plastics in the environment? More specifically, are you a professional working in the plastic industry, environmentalist or policy maker?

Broaden your knowledge about plastics and its impact on the environment. Gain an understanding of the possible solutions – from reducing plastic production to the recycling of plastic. Enrol now for this innovative online course on plastic waste reduction!

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the causes and sources of plastic pollution in the biosphere.
  • Explain the transport pathways and fate of plastic (macro, micro and nanoplastics) in the environment
  • Assess the risk of plastic pollution and the role of standards in environmental management
  • Understand the different roles of stakeholders and interest groups taking action to reduce plastic pollution (ngo)

Syllabus

General introduction
Introduction
Soil
Air
Read more
Water
Risk Assessment
Solutions

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the widespread presence of plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on the environment and health, making it highly relevant to environmentalists, policymakers, and professionals working in the plastic industry
Taught by renowned experts in the field of plastic pollution research, including Dr. Esperanza Huerta Lwanga, Dr. Mahrooz Rezaei, and Dr. Bart Koelmans, providing learners with access to cutting-edge knowledge and insights
Covers the entire life cycle of plastic particles, from their sources and transport to their effects and risks, providing a comprehensive understanding of the issue
Utilizes a range of learning materials, including videos, lectures, podcasts, and interactive sessions, to cater to diverse learning styles and preferences
Emphasizes practical solutions to reduce plastic pollution, including risk assessment, environmental standards, and stakeholder engagement
Provides opportunities for learners to engage with experts and other participants through interactive sessions and online discussions

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Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Plastic Pollution in Soil, Water & Air: From Small Particles to Great Solutions. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Plastic Pollution in Soil, Water & Air: From Small Particles to Great Solutions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pollution Prevention Specialist
Pollution Prevention Specialists analyze and evaluate industrial processes and waste management practices to identify opportunities to reduce or eliminate pollution. This course will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the sources, transport pathways, and environmental impacts of plastic pollution, enabling them to develop and implement effective pollution prevention strategies in various industries.
Toxicologist
Toxicologists study the harmful effects of toxic substances on humans and the environment. This course will provide them with a thorough understanding of the toxicity of plastics and the risks associated with exposure to plastic particles. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the risks of plastic pollution and to develop strategies to mitigate these risks.
Environmental Policy Analyst
Environmental Policy Analysts develop and analyze environmental policies to address environmental issues, such as plastic pollution. This course will provide them with a solid understanding of the science behind plastic pollution and the risks associated with it. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop effective and evidence-based policies to address this issue.
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Consultants provide consulting services to businesses and organizations on environmental issues, including plastic pollution. This course will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the sources, transport pathways, and environmental impacts of plastic pollution. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the risks of plastic pollution and to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Circular Economy Specialist
Circular Economy Specialists design and implement strategies to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency. This course will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the sources, transport pathways, and environmental impacts of plastic pollution. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement effective strategies for reducing plastic pollution and promoting the circular economy.
Climate Scientist
Climate Scientists study the Earth's climate system, including the role of the oceans and atmosphere in plastic pollution. This course will provide them with a deep understanding of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution, including its contribution to climate change. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the risks of plastic pollution to climate and to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Geochemist
Geochemists study the chemical composition of the Earth and its materials. This course will provide them with a deep understanding of the fate and transport of plastics in the environment, including the role of geochemical processes in the breakdown and accumulation of plastics. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and to develop strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers apply engineering principles to protect the environment and to develop sustainable solutions to environmental challenges like plastic pollution. This course will help them to develop an understanding of the fate and transport of plastics in the environment, and to design and implement effective strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of plastic pollution.
Conservation Scientist
Conservation Scientists work to protect, preserve, and restore natural ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. They utilize scientific research to understand threats to the environment and to develop and implement solutions to address these issues. Taking this course will help Conservation Scientists understand one of the most pervasive anthropogenic threats to ecosystems.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the oceans, including the role of plastics in marine ecosystems. This course will provide them with a thorough understanding of the sources, transport, and fate of plastics in marine environments. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the risks of plastic pollution to marine ecosystems and to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Water Resource Specialist
Water Resource Specialists manage and protect water resources, including surface water and groundwater. This course will provide them with a thorough understanding of the sources, transport, and fate of plastics in aquatic environments. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the risks of plastic pollution to water resources and to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Soil Scientist
Soil Scientists study the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, including the role of plastics in soil health. This course will provide them with a deep understanding of the fate and transport of plastics in soil, including the effects of plastic pollution on soil health and fertility. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to assess the risks of plastic pollution to soil and to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Environmental Educator
Environmental Educators develop and deliver educational programs on environmental issues, including plastic pollution. This course will provide them with a deep understanding of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the risks associated with exposure to plastic particles. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to educate the public about plastic pollution and to promote sustainable behaviors.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and optimize chemical processes and products. This course will help future Chemical Engineers understand the role of plastics in the chemical industry and the environmental impacts associated with plastic production and waste. It will also equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to design and develop sustainable chemical processes and products.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists help to ensure that organizations involved in industry and manufacturing adhere to environmental regulations and do not adversely affect the environment. An understanding of the transmission of plastics into the biosphere and the resultant risks associated with it will be extremely valuable to these professionals.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Plastic Pollution in Soil, Water & Air: From Small Particles to Great Solutions.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental impact of plastic waste and recycling. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of plastic waste and recycling, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of environmental law. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of environmental pollutants, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of environmental chemistry. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of environmental pollutants, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of environmental engineering. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of environmental pollutants, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of environmental microbiology. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of environmental pollutants, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global soil pollution problem. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of soil pollution, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of ecology. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of environmental pollutants, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of environmental health. It covers the sources, fate, and effects of environmental pollutants, as well as the current state of knowledge and research gaps.

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