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A cylindrical soil core sample covered in dried root material and thatch, sitting on a patch of dormant grass near a paved surface.

Testing for contaminants in soil, water and plants

Sometimes, what you don’t know can hurt you. MSU Extension's soil testing service offers a variety of analyses through the Home Lawn and Garden Soil Test Mailer, and the commercial soil test bag.

Marinna Guzy hosts a booth at the Superior Whitefish Festival.

Marinna Guzy – Great Lakes Fisheries and Indigenous Knowledge

Marinna Guzy is a doctoral student in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife with a dual major in Environmental Science and Policy. One aspect of her research focuses on building relationships with the Bay Mills Indian Community.
Autumn Bland attends the Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore.

Autumn Bland – Water Access

Autumn Bland is a second-year PhD student in the Department of Sociology. Her research examines household and individual water access, including access to plumbing and basic water infrastructure.
Rui Li attends the CANVAS science conference.

Rui Li – PFAS in Agriculture

Rui Li is a PhD student in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. Her research uses machine learning to study soil and crop systems.
Angelique Willis presents at the Fate of the Earth: Our Waters Symposium in 2025.

Angelique Willis – Drinking Water Quality and Public Health

Angelique Willis is a dual PhD student in Geography and Environmental Science and Policy. Her research centers drinking water quality and public health outcomes, with a specific focus on environmental justice and underserved communities.
Greg Rouland driving the tTEM unit out for a field survey.

Greg Rouland – Wastewater and Soil Management

Greg Rouland is a PhD student in the Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering. Using a machine called the tTEM, he collects data on soil resistivity across fields, which helps to determine where wastewater can be applied most effectively.
Andrew Chesang with his team of researchers.

Andrew Chesang – Precision Agriculture

Andrew Chesang is a doctoral student in the Department of Biosystems & Agriculture Engineering. His research uses robots, 3D imaging, and in-field sensors to help farmers manage their apple orchards throughout the year.
Two workers on a boat handling large fish nets over open water on a sunny day, engaged in aquaculture or fishery sampling operations.

One lake's success story: Winning the fight to control invasive Eurasian water milfoil

Higgins Lake uses diver-assisted suction harvesting to reduce the aquatic invasive species but it has taken an investment of time and money.

Faucet with running water.

Michigan is last state without a septic system code. Will that change?

A new Senate bill would address the regulation, inspection and re-evaluation of septic systems. If passed, Michigan would become the last state with a comprehensive septic code intended to prevent contamination of drinking water.
Assistant Professor Yoorae Noh.

MSU packaging assistant professor Yoorae Noh explains the human health implications of micro- and nanoplastics

Dr. Yoorae Noh has spent her career investigating plastics, microplastics, and the emerging concern of nanoplastics.
Autumn Bland, MSU Water Alliance Director Joan Rose, and Leo Baldiga at GYSS in Singapore, Jan 5-9, 2026. PHOTO Credit Samantha Yeap, GYSS Photo Gallery

WaterCube NRT Fellows Attend Global Young Scientists Summit in Singapore

WaterCube NRT Fellows Autumn Bland and Leo Baldiga participated in the Global Young Scientists Summit (Jan 5–9).
Scattered plastic bottles.

Understanding Microplastics: How Tiny Plastics Impact Michigan’s Waterways

MSU researchers are studying how microplastics develop, how they move through Michigan’s water systems, and what that means for humans and ecosystem health.