Deposition and accumulation of micro plastics and pollutants in marine sediments

Published: 21 February 2018

This research has been carried under the Geological Survey Ireland 2015 Short Call. This call provided funding for researchers in academia or industry on the island of Ireland for projects of less than 12 months duration and less than €25,000.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and not of Geological Survey Ireland or the Department of Climate Action, Communications and Environment.

Lead Applicant: Dr Audrey Morley

Host: NUI, Galway

Project Title: Deposition and accumulation of micro plastics and pollutants in marine sediments from the Irish continental shelf

Project Description: The Shannon delivers a high sediment load west of the Aaran Islands, providing habitat for Nephrops but also sources of pollution including micro plastics and heavy metals. Here we are developing a method to identify micro plastics and heavy metals deposited in marine sediments for an economically and ecologically important fishing ground.