An island-wide baseline
The first map of microplastic levels across Jamaica.
Projects Research
ResearchResearch proposal
Tracing Microplastics Across Jamaica
Mapping an invisible pollutant: where microplastics turn up in Jamaica’s water, and what it means for health.
- Type
- Research
- Status
- Research proposal
- Where
- Island-wide
- Field
- Environmental health
Overview
The study
Microplastics, fragments of plastic smaller than 5 mm, now turn up almost everywhere scientists look, and concern is growing about what they mean for human health. In Jamaica, very little has been measured.
This study will build the first island-wide picture of microplastics in Jamaica’s water: where they occur, at what levels, and what can be done to reduce them.
Approach
How the study works
- 1
Collect samples from sites across the island.
- 2
Count and characterise the microplastics in each sample.
- 3
Map the results to show where levels are highest and lowest.
- 4
Turn the findings into practical recommendations.
Impact
What it will deliver
Hot spots identified
Where levels are highest, and where they are lowest.
Action on the evidence
Practical recommendations to reduce exposure and protect public health.
More work
Related projects
ResearchAedes Mosquito Distribution Mapping
Mapping which Aedes mosquito species occur across Kingston and St Andrew, and where.
View project
ResearchDrone Surveillance of Anopheles Breeding Sites
Using drones, multispectral imaging and machine learning to find and monitor mosquito breeding sites.
View project
ResearchRodent-borne Pathogens in the City
Investigating blood-borne pathogens in urban rodents, and how they could reach people.
View projectLet’s build smarter together
Whether you’re a public health agency, a university or a private enterprise, SynerGIS helps you turn data into action. We collaborate on research, build GIS systems and deliver solutions for Jamaica’s sustainable future.