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.

In-person event details

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., followed by the lecture beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Emerald Room at Sunnyside Restaurant & Lodge, 1850 W Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145.

Enjoy dinner at Sunnyside before or after the presentation and receive 20% off your entire meal.

If you plan to dine during the presentation, please arrive early and place your order before it begins, as no orders will be taken once the presentation is underway. For more information call 775-881-7560 ext. 7566 or email [email protected].

Unable to make it in person? Please be sure to visit https://www.youtube.com/c/ucdavistahoe to view recordings of our Science Speaker Series.