In this episode, we discuss environmental contaminants in aquatic systems with Rachel Giles. Rachel is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Here, she researches pollution in rivers – specifically looking at how contaminants such as microplastics impact the things living in these ecosystems.  In addition to her research as an aquatic ecologist, Rachel also participates in outreach and education. From increasing waste literacy to decreasing trash pollution, Rachel is on a mission to educate people on the intricacies of environmental contaminants and the impacts they have… Join the conversation now to uncover: How different types of microplastics affect river systems. How tire rubber contributes to plastic pollution in both urban and rural environments. What “flush events” are, and what they can reveal about environmental contaminants.  The ways in which local communities can mitigate river contamination.  To learn more about Rachel and her work, visit rachelkgiles.com now! Episode also available on Apple Podcast: http://apple.co/30PvU9C