Applied Ecology uses ecological knowledge, methods, and approaches to solve real-world problems. Applied Ecology is informed by discoveries made from ecological subdisciplines and related fields. The real-world problem addressed in the current study is plastic microbeads that are formulated into personal care products that intentionally get washed down the sink drain following use, and make their way into aquatic ecosystems. Knowledge about product formulation, aquatic ecology, plastic chemistry, hydrology, food webs, fate and transport of plastic debris, and wastewater treatment informed the study. The main question of the study was “How can the negative effects of plastic microbeads be reduced or eliminated in aquatic ecosystems?” The transdisciplinary approach was the method used. With the transdisciplinary approach, scientists, stakeholders, and policy-makers work together to solve real-world problems. Water samples were taken from strategic locations where plastic microbeads might be found, filtered, and sorted. Chemical analyses were performed on unnatural particles. Stakeholders, including product users and a dental hygienist, were interviewed. Policy-makers were invited to be interviewed, but the invitations were declined.
Results/Conclusions
Plastic microbeads were found in a number of products, including toothpaste and facial scrubs. Interviews demonstrated that product users were unaware of plastic microbeads in their personal care products, and a desire to have the plastic removed from the products, or replaced with safer, biodegradable ingredients. A dental hygienist reported that plastic microbeads get lodged in gums, creating problems for dental patients. Chemical analysis revealed that small, unnatural particles found in the South Platte River downstream from the wastewater treatment facility were polypropylene. After this information was aired on television, stakeholders and policy-makers expressed concern, and pursued efforts to remove plastic microbeads from personal care products. Manufacturers indicated that they had plans to voluntarily remove the plastic microbeads from products, and participated in drafting policies to protect their own interests (e.g., allowing “biodegradable” plastics in products). Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed HB15-1144 into law on March 26, 2015, making Colorado the fourth state in the US to ban plastic microbeads. At the Federal level, President Obama signed the Microbead Free Waters Act (H.R. 1321) on December 28, 2015. The transdisciplinary approach can be an effective way to use ecological knowledge to solve real-world problems faced by ecosystems in the Anthropocene.