Intorduction to the session and Keynote
Speakers:
Shenghua Wu, Associate Professor, Department of Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering, University of South Alabama
Jacquelyn Grace, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ecology & Conservation Biology, Texas A&M Univsity
Terri Maness, Environmental Science Program Coordinator, School of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University

Micro and nanoplastics (collectively referred to as microplastics) are an emerging global challenge that threatens the health, resilience, and sustainability of coastal ecosystems. Nowhere is this issue more pressing than in the Gulf Coast, a region defined by its rich biodiversity, vital fisheries, dense coastal populations, and the nation’s highest concentration of plastic manufacturing facilities. Despite growing awareness, our understanding of the scope, severity, and long-term impacts of microplastic pollution remains limited due to its inherently transdisciplinary nature.

This session provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration among ecologists, engineers, chemists, physicists, oceanographers, social scientists, environmental educators, community collaborators, and policymakers. We invite presentations that examine the sources, concentrations, and ecological or human health effects of microplastics across marine, estuarine, and terrestrial systems in the Gulf region. Topics may include innovative technologies for mitigation and removal, such as cost-effective treatment systems, recycling and repurposing techniques, and the use of artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring and hotspot identification.

Emphasizing environmental stewardship, this session also encourages contributions that explore the integration of science and management to inform decision-making and community action. By bridging disciplines and sectors, including academia, industry, and government, we aim to advance understanding of the Gulf’s unique vulnerabilities and accelerate the development of practical, scalable solutions for reducing microplastic pollution. Through shared knowledge and collective effort, this symposium seeks to chart a path toward a cleaner, more resilient, and sustainable Gulf Coast