About Us

What is SIMCoast?

SIMCoast (Socio-ecological Impact of Microplastics in Coastal Ecosystems) is a multidisciplinary project that aims to establish Rhode Island as a global leader in tackling nano and microplastic (NMP) pollution in the aquatic environment through research, community engagement, and workforce development.

By uniting researchers from four academic institutions in the state (University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College, Brown University, Roger Williams University), SIMCoast aims to conduct research that addresses the needs and concerns of local communities and stakeholder groups, with a focus on three overarching questions:

What processes influence the transport and fate of NMPs in coastal ecosystems?
How do changing environmental conditions and anthropogenic stressors influence the distribution of NMPs and their impact on food web dynamics?
How can we design socially- and scientifically-informed policy instruments to address NMPs?

Our Vision: Rhode Island is a global leader in tackling microplastic pollution in coastal environments.

Expected project outcomes

1. Establishment of a state-of-the-art plastics particle characterization facility to support the global NMP research initiative.

2. Development of Rhode Island-centric datasets and modeling tools to inform NMP policies and mitigation efforts.

3. Creation of a statewide network of industries, community organizations, non-profits, and state agencies that will guide the development and implementation of new NMP research initiatives.

4. A strengthened RI workforce capacity via B.S., M.A., M.S., and Ph.D.-trained physical and social scientists as well as engineers to respond to various anthropogenic stressors such as NMPs.

5. Strategic partnerships established with local plastics producers and created small-business opportunities for products spun-out from SIMCoast activities.

What's the problem with microplastics?

Explore our study sites

The map below displays our proposed sampling sites throughout the Narragansett Bay watershed. Click below to explore the region, and check back often as more data is added!

How can we work with your community?

SIMCoast is a community-engaged research effort that seeks to center the voices, needs, and concerns of local watershed communities, state agencies, and industry leaders in Rhode Island. See our full stakeholder engagement vision here.

How might the work of SIMCoast benefit your community or organization?

We aim to investigate the questions that local communities want answers to regarding NMPs, meaning your insight can shape our research process.
By gauging the perspectives of local community members, our research will inform the development of future outreach and communication efforts.

Our work will bring to light how microplastics are affecting your local environment and can set the groundwork for future policy and management efforts to address this issue.

SIMCoast is supported by the National Science Foundation under EPSCoR E-RISE RII: Socio-ecological Impact of Microplastics in Coastal Ecosystems, Award #2438542.