Our overarching aim is to quantify the significance and function of microbes in the ‘plastisphere’, and to work towards feasible solutions for reducing these multi-pollutant risks.
Background
Field Work
Lab Analysis
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Key research objectives:
- Quantify microplastic release into rivers and model the plume formation dynamics of microplastics through transitional waters and out into coastal waters
- Characterise the microbial colonisation dynamics on microplastics during transfer from freshwater into the ocean, including metabolic capability (e.g. key biogeochemical processes)
- Evaluate the load of pathogenic viruses, bacteria and toxic algae on microplastics
- Quantify the importance of the plastisphere for facilitating AMR gene transfer within biofilms
- Characterise the ability of microbial communities within the plastisphere to degrade plastics and plastic-associated pollutants
- Develop recommendations for environmental monitoring guidelines to inform a risk assessment protocol transferable across the UK and beyond
