Microplastics in Rivers: Sources and Pathways - NERC DLA TREES STUDENTSHIP

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.

 

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).

Eligibility

You must hold, or be expected to achieve, a first or high upper second-class undergraduate honours degree or equivalent (for example BA, BSc, MSci) or a Master's degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Biosciences, Analytical Science, Ecotoxicology etc). Prior experience in data analysis/visualisation, machine learning and/or analytical chemistry would be beneficial for this project. Candidates that have a relevant background in maths and/or data analytics that would like to develop biological knowledge, and analytical chemistry skills will also be suitable for this position. For further information on eligibility please refer to the TREES website.

How to apply

Enquiries email name and address:

TREES.Admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Application Web Page:

https://www.trees-dla.ac.uk/apply

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Eleni Iacovidou - My research focuses on sustainable solutions for resource and waste management, with a strong emphasis on circular economy strategies and sustainability assessment. I use a systems thinking approach (CVORR) to understand environmental challenges holistically and to identify points where practical interventions can generate the greatest value and impact. By considering not only environmental and engineering aspects but also social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions, my work highlights the multidimensional value of resource recovery systems. This approach helps create solutions that are technically sound, socially inclusive, and supportive of a faster transition to sustainability. My research is primarily desktop-based and centres on five key areas: Plastic and plastic packaging systems – assessing sustainable pathways to circularity Textiles management – advancing prevention and reuse in a sustainable society Food waste management – addressing challenges for sustainable consumption and recovery Construction components – promoting reuse and modular structures Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) – repair, reuse, and circular strategies In addition, I examine the effects of technological and regulatory lock-ins, the role of stakeholders in sustainability transitions, and the impacts of informal recycling systems on society and the environment. I am also exploring how waste infrastructure can be tailored to area-specific contexts and how smart technologies can enable product and component tracking across the value chain. The ultimate goal of my research is to provide systemic and integrated sustainability assessments that support evidence-based policymaking, guide industry innovation, and foster academic collaboration. By applying systems thinking, I aim to reduce material leakage, extend product lifespans, and enhance resource efficiency, shaping a more resilient and sustainable future.
Antonis Myridakis - I am an analytical chemist, expert in small molecule profiling and quantification, mass spectrometry and multidimensional chromatography. My current research is focused on environmental chemicals and human health, with special interest in microplastics, emerging contaminants and endocrine disrupting chemicals. I have extensively developed and applied metabolomic and volatolomic approaches for cancer diagnosis and the investigation of the link between gut microbiome metabolites and the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental diseases. During my studies, my main research activities were focused on the exposure assessment of endocrine disrupting and neurotoxic chemicals in pregnant women and their children.