Plastic pollution is a growing area of concern, particularly in developing countries where waste management systems have not kept pace with development. The Mekong River transports approximately 40 thousand tons of plastic into the ocean every year, affecting biodiversity in the river system as well as the nearby marine biodiversity hotspot of the Coral Triangle after it flows into the ocean. Join Monica Arienzo and Rachel Kozloski for a discussion on litter monitoring, microplastic analysis, and plastic pollution in the Mekong River and Tonle Sap, Cambodia.
This is the sixth in our Mekong data seminar series featuring presentations of recent studies and papers with an interactive discussion about the data and why it matters.
Featured Speakers
Monica Arienzo, Associate Research Professor of Hydrology, The Desert Research Institute
Monica Arienzo, PhD is an Associate Research Professor in the Division of Hydrologic Sciences at the Desert Research Institute. In her research, Monica uses chemical tools to understand how humans impact the environment. After years of studying caves in the Bahamas and ice cores from Antarctica, now she studies microplastics found in snowy peaks, downstream lakes and rivers, and to drinking water taps around the world. See her full bio here.
Rachel Kozloski, Graduate Research Fellow, Desert Research Institute
Rachel Kozloski is a PhD student in UNR’s Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences. Prior to beginning her PhD, Rachel worked in the private and government sectors as a soil scientist and environmental analyst. Her research focuses on microplastics in urban runoff and microplastic movement in connected surface and groundwater systems. When she is not conducting lab analyses or doing fieldwork she is equally happy exploring wild places or curled up with her dogs and a good book.
Discussants
Diep Bui, Co-Director, Keep Vietnam Clean
Diep Bui is currently Co-Director of Keep Vietnam Clean focusing on urban greenspace, climate-smart agriculture and waste management. In 2019, she was an Environmental Fellow of the Community Solutions Program, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State and implemented by IREX. She was also selected to be one of the young emerging leaders to participate in the Global Leadership Forum 2019 – Collaborative Solutions for Social Impact.
Bunthoeurn MAK, Program Manager and Network Coordinator, The NGO Forum on Cambodia
Mr. Bunthoeurn Mak has served as a Program Manager and Network Coordinator with the NGO Forum on Cambodia for more than five years, working with particular focus on water governance, the sustainability of the Mekong River, and inclusivity–particularly for full participation of those affected by hydropower dams. He is also Coordinator of the Rivers Coalition in Cambodia. Prior to joining the NGO Forum, he worked with Fondazione ACRA to address water management and plastic reduction in Cambodia.
Moderator
Brian Eyler, Southeast Asia Program Director, Stimson Center
Brian Eyler directs the Southeast Asia Program and the Energy, Water, and Sustainability Program. He is an expert on transboundary issues in the Mekong region and specializes in China’s economic cooperation with Southeast Asia. He is widely recognized as a leading voice on environmental, energy, and water security issues in the Mekong. Brian is co-lead on the Mekong Dam Monitor. His first book, Last Days of the Mighty Mekong, was published by Zed Books in 2019. See his full bio here.