The presence of plastics in our environment: Bruno Tassin’s inaugural lecture for first-year students

Bruno Tassin is a Research Fellow Emeritus at the École nationale des ponts et chaussées, within the Environment, Water and Urban Systems Laboratory (LEESU).

Trained as an engineer, he pursued a career in environmental science research. He initially focused on modelling natural and artificial water systems (restoration of lake systems, urban stormwater quality), before shifting his focus to the study of contaminant infiltration into urban environments. The internationally recognised research he has conducted and led over the past fifteen years focuses on characterising the presence of plastics, particularly microplastics, in urban water systems.

A symbol of consumer society, plastic – whilst praised, recognised and widely acclaimed for its fantastic properties – is also criticised for its impact on the environment, ecosystems and human health.

Its high profile makes it a prime example of all ‘new contaminants’ – such as PFAS or pesticides, to name but the most widely publicised – representing one of the planetary boundaries that have been exceeded.

A number of original findings have been produced at the School in recent years on plastics in the environment, which will be presented on 14 September at 2.00 pm, alongside ongoing discussions within the scientific community on the poisoning of the world and global efforts to find solutions.