Water and Ecosystem Health
Our research is dedicated to understanding and addressing plastic pollution in the aquatic environment, with a dual focus.
Firstly, we concentrate on identifying plastics within wastewater systems and advancing sustainable water treatment practices to effectively combat plastic contamination entering water bodies. Secondly, we emphasise evaluating the extent and impacts of plastic materials within freshwater ecosystems, including comprehensive assessment of biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem resilience.
Through a thorough understanding of these vulnerabilities and dependencies within wastewater and freshwater systems, our research provides valuable insights for conservation efforts. The overarching objective is to foster the health and sustainability of these environments, safeguarding them from the detrimental effects of plastic contamination.
Latest Publications
Recent examples of our research:
- Microplastic exposure and consumption increases susceptibility to gyrodactylosis and host mortality for a freshwater fish
- Microplastics in the riverine environment: meta-analysis and quality criteria for developing robust field sampling procedures
- Fate and impact of nano/microplastic in the geoenvironment — ecotoxicological perspective
For more information, visit the Water Research Institute website.