Plastic Pollution in the Tahoe Basin

Plastic pollution is an increasing threat to freshwater ecosystems, including high-elevation environments such as the Lake Tahoe Basin.

In this lecture, Monica Arienzo, Ph.D., presents current research on the sources, transport, and accumulation of plastic debris—from large consumer items to microplastics—entering Lake Tahoe through urban runoff, recreation, atmospheric deposition, and watershed processes. She will discuss how basin hydrology influences the distribution of plastics as well as the challenges of monitoring plastic pollution in freshwater systems. The talk also explores ecological and water-quality implications and highlights the importance of science-based strategies for protecting iconic lake ecosystems.

Monica Arienzo is an environmental scientist specializing in water quality and emerging contaminants, with a focus on plastic pollution and microplastics in alpine freshwater environments.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Presentation begins at 6:00 p.m.

Advance tickets are $10 through Eventbrite and free for students with a valid student ID. Tickets at the door will be $15.

Refreshments and a no-host bar will be available from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.