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Department of Biological Sciences

Hurricane Helene deposited nearly one-fifth of annual microplastics at one North Carolina site

Microplastics are often linked to urban areas near roads and development, but a new study shows that wind and rain carry them from the atmosphere into remote headwaters — a process intensified by major storms such as Hurricane Helene.

The Department of Biological Sciences is at the center of life sciences research and teaching at Virginia Tech. 
Our mission is to seamlessly integrate world-class research addressing the grand challenges of the 21st century,
from global change to human disease, by preparing the next generation of scientists.