Accredited Technical Masterclasses 17

Regulatory changes to microplastics in contaminant management are inevitable so now’s the time to get ahead of future legislation and prepare for future readiness. In this one-hour masterclass, you’ll understand what microplastics data really means when put into practice so you can make informed decisions and prepare for emerging risks and opportunities.

Leveraging the latest science, risk assessment, state of science testing, regulatory developments and practical industry experience at GHD, this masterclass takes an evidence-based approach to guide participants through the challenges of interpreting emerging data and applying that knowledge within real-world planning and operational contexts.

What we'll cover:

Microplastics science, behaviour and emerging risks
Regulatory developments and preparedness considerations
Monitoring, detection and interpretation of data
Examples of microplastics in a wastewater treatment process
Interactions with other contaminants such as PFAS and toxic heavy metals.

Who it's for:
Designed for professionals responsible for water, wastewater, environmental management, regulation and asset planning, this session provides the knowledge and foresight needed to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape and prepare for the future of microplastics management.

Don't forget to complete the short quiz at the end of the class for the opportunity to earn 0.1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU).

Continue your education. Secure your spot today.

Meet your speakers

Dr. Zhiyong Xia - National PFAS Technical Leader, GHD

Dr. Zhiyong Xia is GHD’s National PFAS Technical Leader (Americas). He has extensive experience in PFAS sampling, testing/evaluation, fate and transport, treatment technologies (PFAS capture and PFAS destruction) and AFFF firefighting foams. Dr. Xia has developed a deep understanding of water treatment remediation for emerging contaminants. He is an inventor on 23 US patents and author of more than 100 technical publications covering microplastics, PFAS treatment, water technologies, polymers and advanced materials.

Dr. Xia has won numerous awards, including the Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory Invention of the Year Awards on PFAS destruction and water filtration. He is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Water Environment Federation (WEF).

Ian Collins - Senior Environmental Risk Assessor, GHD

Ian is a senior practitioner in human health and ecological risk assessment, with more than 22 years of experience in environmental consulting across Canada, the United States and international markets. He specialises in assessing human and ecological risks associated with chemicals and radionuclides in terrestrial, riparian and aquatic environments, supporting decision-making for contaminated sites, brownfields, mining operations and nuclear facilities.

Ian has also contributed on PFAS and microplastics investigations, helping organisations understand emerging contaminant risks and apply scientific evidence within regulatory and operational contexts. He currently serves as the Americas leader for GHD's Contamination Assessment and Remediation Service Line.

Jessica Hannaford - General Manager Technical Services, EMEA, GHD

Jessica is a Technical Director with more than 25 years of experience in contamination assessment, remediation and environmental management across Australia and international markets. As General Manager Technical Services, EMEA, she leads technical excellence, capability development and innovation initiatives, supporting technical practitioners and future leaders across the business.

Jessica has worked with clients to address complex environmental challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes throughout the project lifecycle. She has a particular interest in contaminants of emerging concern, including microplastics, and is passionate about advancing technical capability through collaboration, continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

GHD is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognised internationally as a standard development organisation and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.