Grant: Alliance Grants

The proposal outlines an international collaboration between Canadian and Brazilian researchers to investigate the relationship between land use and microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The project aims to analyze fish and water samples from six streams in Brazil and the Qu'Appelle water system in Saskatchewan, Canada. The team aims to unveil how urbanization impacts microplastic levels. The significance of this research lies in its potential to address critical environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution, which affects biodiversity and ecosystem health. Canada is recognized for its leadership in managing freshwater microplastic pollution, providing valuable insights into similar issues faced by countries in the Global South. The collaboration will leverage the unique expertise of both teams, combining advanced analytical techniques in Canada with ecological knowledge from Brazil. The project also includes a highly qualified personnel training plan, emphasizing developing technical and professional skills and fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion within the research environment. The expected outcomes include two publications in high-quality journals and enhanced science-based policy recommendations for watershed protection in both regions. Ultimately, this partnership aims to strengthen ties between Canadian and Brazilian researchers while contributing to global efforts to mitigate the impacts of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems.