Shepherdstown Student Reveals Microplastic Crisis in Local Streams
WVU student discovers widespread microplastic pollution in first-of-its-kind study of Appalachian streams and fish
West Virginia Press Association | Monday, June 30, 2025
In a groundbreaking study published by the West Virginia Press Association, Isabella Tuzzio, a biology student from Shepherdstown, uncovered alarming levels of microplastics in fish from central Appalachian streams. Her research, the first of its kind in the region, indicated that juvenile northern hogsuckers contained microplastics in every sample tested, with an average of 40 plastic particles per fish. Tuzzio's findings suggest significant environmental and health risks, emphasizing the need for public awareness and sustainable practices to address contamination. As the research highlights the impact of agricultural runoff, local communities are urged to engage in conversations about preserving their waterways, which are vital to the area's natural resources and ecosystem health.
