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Microplastics Concentrations in the Truckee River Surge During High Spring Flows, New Study Finds
The ubiquitous plastics of modern life are degrading into tiny fragments and littering Earth’s landscapes and waterways. Scientists are starting to examine and measure this phenomenon to better understand how microplastics move through the environment and ultimately impact human and environmental health. A new study focuses on the Truckee River, which stems from the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe and traverses through Reno and Sparks, Nevada, before reaching Pyramid Lake. The research sought to illuminate the concentrations and types of plastics accumulating throughout the river — which supplies drinking water to nearly half a million people.
Meet Sean O’Neil
Sean O’Neil is an atmospheric scientist entering the fourth year of his PhD at DRI and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Working with Dan McEvoy, he is investigating how building codes can be updated to better prepare for extreme weather like rain-on-snow events. He also works with the Mountain Rain or Snow team to identify the physical processes that determine whether precipitation falls as rain or snow.
O’Neil grew up on Vashon Island near Seattle and speaks Italian thanks to a four-year stint in Florence as a child. In the following interview, he shares his love for the mountains and the atmosphere, and how he utilizes his weather forecasting skills to improve people’s lives.
Continuing a Legacy of Generosity: Teresa and Kent Long Support the DRI Conservation Ecology Lab
Earlier this year, Teresa and Kent Long donated in memory of Ms. Long’s mother, Marianna Vaughan, to support the DRI Conservation Ecology Lab. With this support from the Longs, the Conservation Ecology Lab was able to purchase two Leica Microsystems microscopes.
The DRI Conservation Ecology Lab conducts basic and applied ecological research informing conservation actions and natural resource management in the Southwest. By working in direct collaboration with agency managers and other scientists, the Conservation Ecology Lab’s goal is to develop and implement research to broaden our understanding of native species and anthropogenic factors that affect our natural resources.
Research Highlights
Check out our latest Research Highlights 2026 Volume 2 Storymap to see a selection of DRI's science that matters now.
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More than 60 years of scientific discovery and innovation, in Nevada and around the world
Since 1959, the faculty, students, and staff at DRI have advanced scientific knowledge to help solve pressing challenges related to air, water, land, and wildfire to improve human health. With more than 600 employees, over 300 projects on all seven continents, and two world-class research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as one of the eight institutions in the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Atmospheric Sciences
Research and services related to air quality and associated health risks, climate, cloud and aerosol physics, renewable energy, fire science, and atmospheric dynamics.
Hydrologic Sciences
Research, development, and education services contributing to society’s fundamental understanding of hydrologic systems and advancing the sustainability of water resources.
Earth & Ecosystem Sciences
Research in the life & earth sciences, particularly those dealing with the complex interactions of geological processes, organisms, biological communities, and human societies.
Education & Workforce Development
Training Nevada's K-12 teachers and providing professional development opportunities and training for education-based activities.
Research Areas
DRI faculty and staff work in over 40 scientific fields on all seven continents.
40 Laboratories and Facilities
DRI has more than 40 specialized labs and facilities on research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas.
60 Years of Scientific Excellence
Since 1959, DRI has contributed to solving our toughest air, water, land, and wildfire challenges.
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