Natalie Wolfe
Research Details
Thesis Name
The Identification of Microplastics Associated with Freshwater Aquatic Plants – Method Identification and Field ApplicationThesis Abstract
To further develop a reliable, cost effective method to identify the presence of microplastics associated with freshwater aquatic plants. Once this method has been further developed in a lab setting, I will then assess the effectiveness of this method samples taken from the field.
Why My Research is Important/Impacts
This research could be applied across a variety of areas. If a reliable method to identify the presence of MPs in these systems is further refined, the effect of these MPs on the ecosystem could also be considered as plants are the food source of many animals in the ecosystem. The ability to identify the presence of MPs in these ecosystems will allow focus to be given to areas with high MP loads. The ability to identify MP presence, and potentially significant MP load in these ecosystems, will also allow funds and further research to be focused on areas identified with use of this method. The impact of these MPs on the plants themselves could also be further studied in the field rather than in lab-based experiments.
Partners
Curtin University
