Kettering University is known for shaping the leaders who tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges, and Giovanni Cavataio ’25 is proving that legacy true. A senior double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry, Giovanni is spearheading critical research into how microplastics infiltrate plant matter and, in turn, potentially enter our food supply. His innovative work aims to pave the way for more comprehensive studies.
Microplastics, the microscopic remnants of larger plastic waste, are becoming an increasing concern for environmental health. While the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems has been widely studied, their presence in plants is less understood — and the exact health effects of microplastics are still largely unknown. Giovanni’s work is set to change that.
In state-of-the-art labs at Kettering, Giovanni meticulously analyzes plant samples under a fluorescence microscope, revealing the concentration and distribution of microplastics in various plant tissues — stems, leaves, and flowers. To filter out the microplastic, he uses a chemical solution to break down plant cells, making them visible for analysis.
Giovanni has a clear hypothesis that drives his research: Plant stems will exhibit higher concentrations of microplastics than other parts like the leaves and flowers. His reasoning is simple: Plant stems have extensive vascular systems, allowing them to trap more microplastics. But simple or not, the impact of Giovanni’s research extends far beyond the laboratory and right to the food on our dinner plates. Since plants are a significant part of our diet and are consumed by livestock we eat, understanding microplastic contamination in plants is vital for assessing potential risks to human health.
“We don't fully understand the severity or how exactly microplastics impact biological function, but this research is helping us to better move forward in determining how to deal with the situation,” Giovanni says. “You can't really get microplastics out of the ecosystem. The best thing that we can do is try to prevent them from contaminating future organisms.”
As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by microplastics, studies like Giovanni’s remind us of the importance of innovation in protecting our planet and our health.
