Tackling plastic pollution in Canada’s waterways
PhD student Eric Fries stands on the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver for the 2023 Canadian Society for Chemistry Conference. Photo: Supplied by Eric Fries.
As the world prepares to mark Earth Day on April 22, we’re proud to celebrate one of its own change-makers: Eric Fries, a PhD student in the Environmental Applied Science and Management program, has been awarded the Nicholas Reid Memorial Award, a prestigious honour recognizing leadership and innovation in water-related research.
Established in memory of Nick Reid, former Executive Director of the Urban Water Research Centre, the award is presented annually to a TMU graduate student who not only demonstrates academic excellence in the water sector, but also financial need and a commitment to positive impact. Reid, known for his deep knowledge of water systems and his dedication to mentoring students, left behind a powerful legacy in sustainable urban water practices and student engagement. That legacy now lives on through projects like the Apathy to Empathy interdisciplinary water curriculum and through students like Eric.
Eric Fries tested how UV light affects the way different plastic chemicals leach into water as part of his research in the Emerging Contaminants Lab. Photo: Supplied by Eric Fries
Fries’ research dives into an often-overlooked but increasingly urgent issue: the invisible threat of chemicals leaching from plastics into water systems.
"Many don’t consider the chemical contamination that comes with plastic pollution, but it is a significant problem that continues to grow with the millions of tonnes of plastic that enter our waters annually," Fries explained. "These emerging contaminants affect both humans and ecosystems, from Toronto to the Canadian Arctic, and across the globe."
Building on his early findings, Fries’ recent work has uncovered new insights into how plastics behave once they enter aquatic environments. His research shows that many plastics actually become more hazardous over time, releasing even greater amounts of harmful chemicals into the water. Certain plastic products—such as children’s toys, synthetic fibres like those found in face masks, and cigarette filters—appear to be especially high sources of persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances.
His work not only aims to identify the sources of these harmful chemicals but also to inform regulatory change. By communicating his findings to both scientific and governmental audiences, Fries is helping Canada move toward stronger chemical safety standards—an effort that aligns closely with the spirit of Nick Reid’s leadership in urban water sustainability.
"I’m humbled to have won the Nicholas Reid Memorial Award, something that will only enhance my passion and determination for water activism and stewardship," Fries said. "Nick Reid’s legacy, and this award, embody what it means to be a leader in the water sector, and I‘m so grateful to be among all of the great students who have previously won."
With Earth Day approaching, Fries’ recognition is a reminder of the urgent environmental challenges we face, and the power of research, policy, and passion to meet them. While he modestly describes his work as "only a drop in the (plastic) bucket," his contributions are already making waves in Canada’s approach to water safety and environmental health.
