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Project title

Impacts of Microplastics on the Irish Fresh Water Environment

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University College Cork (UCC)

Lead Applicant

Marcel Jansen

Project Abstract

Microplastics comprise small (<5mm) plastic particles that are widespread in the marine environment. Microplastics have negative impacts on a broad range of marine species, but relatively little is known about microplastics in the freshwater environment. A recent report on microplastics in the fresh water environment refers to �scarcity of information� on critical topics such as sources, environmental fate, and biological impacts. The central objective of the proposed project is to explore the impacts of different microplastics on fresh water aquatic organisms and ecosystems, identifying those microplastics that pose the biggest risks to the freshwater environment. The novelty and relevance of the proposed project is that it targets Irish fresh water organisms and ecological interactions, uses standardised (OECD) impact assays that generate standardised data, compares the impacts of different plastics and plastics of different sizes, uses a holistic approach whereby impacts are quantified across a range of representative species and biological endpoints, and analyses impacts on habitats by measuring trophic interactions, including bioaccumulation. The data generated will inform policy-makers, enabling development of regulatory approaches that target those microplastics that are of most environmental concern. Furthermore, the data generated will be a stepping stone towards biomonitoring and bioremediation approaches. The proposed project has a strong focus on outputs, and the dissemination of outputs. Outputs include (1) at least 3 peer reviewed open access publications detailing impacts of microplastics on fresh water organisms and trophic interactions, and published in international journals, (2) a final report, including lay summary, describing the main findings and conclusions of the project, (3) a PhD-thesis submitted to UCC, (4) posters and/or conference presentations in Ireland and abroad, and (5) a dedicated project webpage. A part-time RA will assure a continuous flow of updated information via the project webpage. The latter will contain, amongst others, a (regularly updated) lay summary targeted at the general public, posters, and blog-style updates. Finally, a workshop will be organised for relevant stakeholders to disseminate new knowledge.

Grant Approved

�123,067.20

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Safe water

Start Date

31/03/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/03/2020