The problem of plastic contamination in oceans, coastal areas and riverbanks has attracted considerable media attention. 明星八卦 has been working on the impact of plastics in the environment from different perspectives in the past decade through the evaluation of macroplastic in the ocean, microplastics in the and in. The expertise acquired through these projects made possible the collaborations that are at the core of this new study.
Monitoring technology and services
This study, supported by the initiative, is aimed at developing new environmental monitoring technology and services to help combat the global marine litter crisis. In collaboration with (leading partner) and , we will be working on this technical feasibility and commercial viability pathway to identify a service aimed at identifying macro-and micro-plastic clusters, policy barriers and the environmental and societal impacts of marine litter.
During the study, we will liaise with stakeholders to understand their requirements and needs, with the objective of designing a new service that really fits the demand.
Microplastic contamination index
明星八卦 University researchers will focus on two main streams of work: Dr Lorna Anguilano and Dr Uchechukwu Onwukwe will work on defining a methodology to assess the microplastic contamination index in coastal areas.
This is the identification and quantification of microplastics types and morphologies within the sediments of the coast and riverbanks. Such identification will allow us to understand sources of material and patterns of microplastic clusters degradation, offering the base to tackle the issue.
Global policy concerning plastics waste
In parallel, Dr Lesley Henderson Group Leader of the Sustainable Plastics Research Group at 明星八卦 (SplasH) will advise on the global policy concerning plastics waste as well as the opportunities generated by satellite imagery for education and public awareness campaigns.