Cohort 5

Abbie Rogers

Project Title:

Quantification, Degradation, and Impact of Microplastics in Terrestrial Environments

Bio:

I have a keen interest in understanding how plastic pollution affects the soil environment and its implications for the global ecosystem. I used archaeological methods to study microplastic waste in soil as an undergraduate. I worked as a field archaeologist and a research assistant after finishing my MA degree, observing plastic waste and fibre degradation in soil. These experiences motivated me to research soil microplastics and their impact on soil health and biology.

Supervisors:

Matthew Pound, Northumbria University

Miranda Prendergast-Miller, Northumbria University

Collaborators:

Lisa-Marie Shillito, Newcastle University

Research Question and Aims:

My research explores how to quantify soil microplastics, how they degrade and the impact that these microplastics are having on soil geochemistry and biological interactions. I will be using various methods to study microplastics in different soils, including thin section analysis and micro-CT. I aim to contribute to the development of effective strategies and policies to mitigate the impact of soil microplastics and promote soil health and sustainability.

Skills:

ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS, FTIR and thin section analysis

Education:

MA Archaeology, Newcastle University, 2021-2022

BA  Archaeology, Newcastle University, 2017 – 2020