How do contaminants such as microplastics impact marine ecosystems? What can we do to mitigate the harmful effects of these pollutants? In this episode, we discuss these questions through the lens of aquatic toxicology and analytical chemistry with Austin Gray. Austin is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. Austin’s research interests are centered around environmental toxicology – specifically analyzing how emerging contaminants may pose a risk to a variety of freshwater and marine organisms… In this episode, we unpack:36 The importance of utilizing ecological and physiological approaches to understanding the consequences of contaminants within aquatic ecosystems.  The interconnectedness of water pollution.  Where microplastics come from, and how they enter marine systems.  The types of water-dwelling organisms that are affected by microplastics, and what happens to them.  Austin has been conducting research since the age of 19, and since then, he has contributed much to his research field. What sets him apart from other biological scientists? Click play now to find out! You can follow along with Austin’s work on Twitter by clicking here. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C