Microplastic pollution

Materials science-based solutions for a cleaner future

10-year-old Erika Iveth Cedillo-González Girl Scout (pink arrow)

A Lifelong Commitment to Protecting the Environment

My passion for science and environmental protection started long before I became a researcher. As a 10-year-old Girl Scout, I spent countless hours exploring nature, learning about ecosystems, and understanding the importance of protecting our planet. Those early experiences shaped my determination to tackle pollution and find scientific solutions to environmental challenges. Today, as a researcher in materials science, I remain committed to that mission—developing innovative strategies to fight microplastic pollution and create a cleaner, healthier world.

Fighting Microplastic Pollution with Materials Science Innovations

Microplastic pollution is a pressing environmental challenge, but materials science offers innovative solutions. Since 2016, my research team and I have developed strategies to degrade, mineralize, and repurpose microplastics.

Through photocatalysis, we use semiconductors activated by light to break down polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics and nanoplastics into harmless substances.

Additionally, we explore ways to valorize plastic waste, transforming it into valuable materials for construction and advanced applications.

Blue and orange polyethylene microbeads extracted from a facial scrub. These samples are representative of microplastic pollution
  • PET bottle in the sand, a secondary source of microplastic pollution
    A PET bottle in the sand of Miramar beach (Tamaulipas, Mexico).
  • Optical micrograph of a polystyrene microplastic specimen and an insect collected by a Manta trawl in a research project focused on microplastic pollution
    PS microplastic and insect collected with a Manta trawl in Rodrigo Gomez dam (Nuevo León, Mexico).
  • SEM micrograph of polystyrene microplastics used in my research related to microplastic pollution
    PS spherical microplastics used for testing the activity of several photocatalysts.

Microplastic Pollution: Key Questions & Scientific Solutions

Microplastic pollution is a growing environmental concern, but what exactly are microplastics, and why should we worry about them? In this section, I answer some of the most common questions about microplastics, their impact on the environment, and how innovative materials science solutions—like photocatalysis—can help mitigate this issue.

Microplastics are small plastic debris (1 μm- 5 mm) that are fabricated in those sizes (primary) or originate from the breakdown of larger plastic waste (secondary).

Yes. Microplastics have become ubiquitous on Earth, and similar to global biogeochemical cycles, they spiral around the globe with different atmospheric, oceanic, cryospheric, and terrestrial residence times. Moreover, flora, fauna and ecosystems are affected by microplastic pollution as they function as receptors.

Photocatalysis is a process where light-activated semiconductors break down microplastics (and nanoplastics) into non-toxic compounds, helping reduce microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.

My research projects as PI

I have led various projects in Mexico and Italy aimed at combating microplastic pollution.

Towards a clean and sustainable Mexico

The project aimed to develop green semiconductors using natural sources for doping and pore formation. These materials were then utilized to photocatalytically degrade microplastics. Funded by ex-CONACYT (Mexico).

Photocatalysis of microplastics

In this project, mesoporous TiO2 films were used to degrade PS microplastics. The effect of several operational variables in the photocatalytic degradation process was evaluated. Funded by the Mexican Ministry of Public Education (Mexico).

Synthesis of bio-inspired photocatalysts

In this project, C,N-TiO2 and C,N-TiO2/SiO2 were prepared using the extrapallial fluid of mussels as doping source. The materials were then used to degrade PE microplastics. Funded by PAICYT UANL’s (Mexico).

Valorisation of microplastic waste

This project aimed to valorize heavy metal-contaminated microplastics and nanoplastics as porogenic agents and metal sources for the synthesis of TiO2-based semiconductors. Funded by DIEF’s FAR – UniMoRe (Italy).

Want to dive deeper into the research?

Curious to explore the scientific work behind these projects? Visit my publications page to access the full list of research articles related to microplastic pollution. Each paper reflects years of collaborative effort and a deep commitment to solve this critical environmental issue through science. You can also visit my patents page.

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Empowering Communities to Tackle Microplastic Pollution and Beyond

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A Special Issue on Environmental Education

I’m excited to share that, together with Prof. Elisa Bergami and Dr. Sara Righi (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia), I’m serving as Guest Editor of a Special Issue in the journal Sustainability (MDPI), focused on environmental education and citizen science. This initiative highlights how innovative learning approaches can help address critical environmental challenges including microplastic pollution by promoting scientific literacy and community engagement. We invite researchers, educators, and science communicators to submit original manuscripts that explore how educational strategies and participatory research can empower individuals and communities. We especially welcome multidisciplinary work that combines education, science communication, and environmental action in diverse social and geographic contexts. If your work focuses on public engagement, active learning, or science-based educational tools to address complex topics like microplastic pollution, climate change, or invasive species, we’d love to hear from you! Join us in contributing to a more informed and resilient society.

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