Factors controlling microplastic-pathogen interactions in watercourses

Microplastics from urban, agricultural and atmospheric sources represents a major threat to freshwater health.

The loss pathways and source-partitioning of macro-and micro- and nano-plastics at the catchment scale, however, remains poorly quantified.

While the number of plastic particles in soil, wastewater, organic waste, litter and urban runoff is often determined, the relative amount (i.e. flux * concentration) entering freshwater under different climatic conditions remains poorly understood.

Further, characterisation of the polymer type, additive content and physical conformation of these plastics remains limited, despite the knowledge that these properties underpin their ecotoxicological response.

This PhD aims to leverage the digital water fingerprinting theme of RED-ALERT to quantify diffuse and point source microplastic loadings into contrasting Conwy River sub-catchments under variable hydrological conditions.

Using sensor technologies and water quality modelling, it will establish baseline loadings and then forecast shifting pollutant mobility and contamination risks during extreme rainfall and drought.