Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C000994/1
Microscopic plastic, the extent of the problem: a new method for separating plastic fragments from natural sediments
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr L Gaunt, University of Southampton, Electronics and Computer Science
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor RC Thompson, University of Plymouth, Sch of Biological and Marine Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Mr GL Hearn, University of Southampton, Sch of Electronics and Computer Sci
- Grant held at:
- University of Southampton, Electronics and Computer Science
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Marine
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Science Topics:
- Pollution
- Environment & Health
- Sediment/Sedimentary Processes
- Abstract:
- Countless items of plastic debris are accumulating in marine habitats worldwide, some of which may persist for centuries. Much of this debris is visible, but recent research has shown that microscopic plastic fragments have also accumulated in the oceans and are now present in the water column and in marine sediments. The fragments most probably result from the mechanical breakdown of larger items but the precise sources, principal sinks and overall quantities of this type of material now present in the environment remain unknown. These topics are currently being addressed as part of an ongoing project. However, progress in this field is severely hampered by lack of efficient methods to separate microscopic plastics from natural organic debris and sediment. Hence, current assessments of the extent of this new form of contamination are likely to considerably underestimate the total amount of material now present in the environment. This proposed research represents a collaborative project between a marine ecologist at the forefront of research on contamination by microscopic plastics and experts in the field of electrostatic separation. The proposal will refine and develop a novel method to the separation of plastics from natural sediment. The approach is based on the characteristic electrical conductivity of the various particle types. Sand particles and organic debris are relatively conducting, while plastic fragments are not. This difference can be exploited to separate the different particle types in a strong electric field. Pilot experiments have demonstrated that this method can achieve up to 100% separation The objectives of the research are to develop an effective separation method, assess the performance of the new method against the existing separation technique. The equipment will then be fully evaluated as part of an ongoing research project. The final objective of the proposal is to produce a scoping document on the broader application of this technology for quantifying plastic contamination, cleansing and recycling applications.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C000994/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Small Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Small Grants
This grant award has a total value of £30,869
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| £20,083 | £595 | £953 | £9,238 |
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