Plastic production has risen exponentially since the 1950’s when global production started, reaching a staggering figure of 390 million tonnes in 2021. Up to 10 million tonnes of plastics enter the marine environment annually with socio-economic and environmental implications that have captured global stakeholder attention. Under environmental conditions, plastics fragment into smaller pieces, potentially releasing chemical additives to the surrounding environment.
The aim of this project is to assess and characterize the molecules associated with chemical pollution from plastics and microplastics, resulting from weathering and degradation processes. Assessing these novel substances will allow for a better understanding of ecological risk of these compounds that are associated with chemical and biological pollution, along Ireland’s coastline.
This project is funded by the PRTP TU Rise
