Project Description
Supervisors
Dr Alice Horton, Plymouth Marine Laboratory – contact me
Dr Manuela Truebano, University of Plymouth
Dr Trystan Sanders, Marine Biological Association
Professor John Spicer, University of Plymouth
Scientific Background
Microplastics are a widespread environmental contaminant readily ingested by marine invertebrates and negatively impacting feeding, growth, reproduction and survival. Alongside this backdrop of environmental pollution, marine invertebrates must also contend with the pressures of climate-induced ocean warming including marine heatwaves (MHWs). MHWs are periods of unusually high sea temperatures that persist for more than five days, and are increasing in frequency and severity. An organism’s capacity to recover from thermal stress will likely dictate its ability to cope with additional environmental pressures including microplastics. Equally, microplastic effects may be more severe in marine animals already dealing with the bioenergetic limitations associated with acute thermal stress. Despite this, the combined effects of these growing environmental pressures on marine invertebrates are not well understood. This project will investigate if and how microplastic exposure and MHWs interact to affect different marine invertebrates.
Research Methodology
Using laboratory-based experimental studies, this research will focus on invertebrate feeding and digestive physiology, linking these to growth bioenergetics and performance. The student will expose two ecologically and commercially important invertebrate species: edible crabs (Cancer pagurus) and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) to different microplastic polymers in conjunction with simulated MHWs representative of the intertidal zone. Cutting-edge experimental approaches already operated by members of the supervisory team will be used to measure e.g. gut pH regulation, digestive assimilation efficiency and oxygen consumption. This will enable an understanding of how these biologically contrasting invertebrate species will cope with predicted future temperature and plastic contamination scenarios, and the implications this may have for ecosystem health.
Training
Working within the Microplastics and Marine Pollution group at the Marine Biological Association, in partnership with the University of Plymouth, the student will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and collaborative national and international networks. The student will receive training in all necessary techniques including experimental design and implementation, ecotoxicology, in vivo physiology, data handling, statistical analysis, scientific writing and presenting.
Person Specification
Experience in Marine Biology or Biological Sciences and a strong interest in organism responses to environmental change are essential. Experience working with aquatic organisms and/or within a laboratory environment would be advantageous.
Acceptable first degree subject(s): Biology, Marine biology