USU's Science Unwrapped Explores Microplastic Pollution on Friday, Feb. 20

Plastics are everywhere in our modern world, providing convenience for packaging, clothing, furnishings, infrastructure and the many consumer products that make our lives easier. But plastic waste, which breaks down into small particles, is making its way into our air, soils, water, food — and into our bodies — all of which can harm our health and environment.

Utah State University environmental and biological engineers Akib Al Mahir and Joanna (Liyuan) Hou are studying how microplastics interact with varied microbes in wastewater. Some of these microbes are beneficial and can break down microplastics. Others are harmful to humans and the environment. Al Mahir and Hou are exploring how microplastics behave like “tiny Uber drivers” that can transport microbes in ways that are helpful and not helpful.

They explain these processes as they present “Microplastic Taxis for Microbes” at USU’s Science Unwrapped public outreach program Friday, Feb. 20. All ages are invited to the free gathering, hosted by USU’s College of Arts and Sciences (ArtSci), which begins at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, on the Logan campus.

“Our Spring 2026 ‘Celebrate Grad Student Research’ series continues with our Feb. 20 event,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We’re excited to have Akib and Joanna help us understand how microplastics are interacting with other waste and organisms in our environment, as we spotlight work by our graduate students, who are integral to Utah State University’s research and teaching success.”

Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, follow the half-hour presentation. In addition, this spring’s series will feature research posters by USU graduate students.

Al Mahir, a doctoral candidate in USU’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is a graduate research assistant with the Utah Water Research Laboratory. His research focuses on microplastics and microbial biofilms, exploring how these communities form on plastic surfaces and how their interactions affect wastewater and aquatic environments.

Hou is an assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering in USU’s Department of Biological Engineering and the Utah Water Research Laboratory. Her research addresses challenges with microplastics and bioplastics, using molecular tools and data-driven approaches to explore how these materials shape microbial ecology in water and soils.

Al Mahir and Hou’s presentation will be video-recorded and posted on the Science Unwrapped website, following the in-person event.

The remaining Celebrate Grad Student Research series schedule is:

• Friday, Feb. 20 — “Microplastic Taxis for Microbes,” USU environmental engineers Akib Al Mahir and Liyuan (Joanna) Hou.
• Friday, March 20 — “Why Queen Bees Can Have It All,” USU biologist Karen Kapheim.
• Friday, April 10 — “Earthquakes: Predicting the Unpredictable,” USU geoscientists Lindsey Broderick and Srisharan Shreedharan.

Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website.

For more information, call 435-797-3517 or visit the Science Unwrapped website.