Microplastics in Rivers: Sources and Pathways - PhD

Project Description

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny fragments of solid plastic polymers, measuring less than 5 mm, generated from plastics. These, have raised significant concerns regarding their environmental and human health impacts. While recent studies have explored the pathways of exposure and health effects of MPs, our understanding of their prevalence, abundance, and sources in the environment remains limited. MPs are widely found in freshwater systems, yet key questions remain about their absolute levels, types, size, distribution, sources, transport pathways, and impact on ecosystems and human health. This project will address these questions by analysing samples from two major English rivers—the Thames and Medway. Freshwater samples will undergo filtration and oxidation to remove organic matter, enabling the measurement of MPs across various size fractions. A diverse and complimentary set of methodologies will be employed to detect, quantify, and characterise MPs and their additives, including optical, spectroscopic, mass spectrometric and chemometric approaches.  By linking MPs concentrations to specific collection sites, we aim to trace their sources and transport mechanisms, filling crucial gaps in current research. By building a comprehensive evidence base on the prevalence, risks, and pathways of MPs, this research will help shape future policies on the lifecycle of conventional plastics and inform strategies for their reduction and elimination.

Research themes

Environmental Hazards & Pollution

Project Specific Training

The proposed project on microplastics in rivers, their abundance and fluxes between terrestrial and marine environments will require project-specific training through a combination of one-to-one lab training and training via internal and external services and discussions with partners  (i.e. Living Rivers Foundation, EA). Here’s an outline of the training program:
– training on techniques for microplastic collection, including sampling and filtration methods; laboratory techniques for identifying and quantifying microplastics (e.g., microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy) (one-to-one training from the laboratory technicians and supervisors); 
– training on methods for quantifying material fluxes (including microplastics) and understanding transformation processes such as fragmentation, biofouling, and chemical adsorption (one-to-one guidance from supervisors, and with external partners on hydrological modelling to predict microplastic transport). 
These will involve the use of statistical tools (e.g., SPSS) for analysing and visualising microplastic transport and transformation data (training sessions with university support services and external /online courses on data analysis and machine learning applications in environmental science).
And also: 
– training on understanding the interactions between terrestrial and marine environments and how microplastics act as pollutants bridging these ecosystems (one-to-one guidance from supervisors and workshops with researchers in environmental science, marine biology, and policy).
– Interpretation on the integration of microplastic analysis into broader water quality monitoring frameworks and regulatory requirements (with the Living Rivers Foundation and workshops with industry partners involved in water quality monitoring (e.g., Environment Agency or Defra)
These will involve training on writing scientific papers, presenting at conferences, and translating findings into policy-relevant outputs (regular one-to-one guidance and ongoing feedback sessions with supervisors, exposure to events such as conferences, and workshops on science communication organised by the university or professional organisations (e.g., SETAC).

Potential Career Trajectory

The proposed project will equip students with interdisciplinary skills and expertise in environmental science and sustainability that apply to various career pathways in academia, industry, and government sectors. Specifically: 
In academia: as a post-doctoral researcher specialising in microplastic pollution, water quality modelling, or system dynamics, having the opportunity to secure competitive funding for independent research projects and pursue an academic career in environmental science, and sustainability.
In industry: as a specialist or consultant in monitoring and improving water quality standards for rivers and coastal environments using data-driven approaches to inform water resource management and microplastic pollution mitigation strategies, or as a consultant working with industries like packaging, textiles, or consumer goods to reduce plastic use and improve recycling systems.
In government: as an advisor developing and implementing policies to mitigate plastic pollution and improve water management practices, and working with organisations like the ΕΑ, Defra, and in policy development and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Project supervisor/s

Dr Eleni Iacovidou, Life Sciences, Brunel, eleni.iacovidou@brunel.ac.uk, https://www.brunel.ac.uk/people/eleni-iacovidou

Dr Antonis Myridakis, Life Sciences, Brunel, antonis.myridakis@brunel.ac.uk

Supervision balance: 60:40