Yashi Jain
Research Project: Factors controlling microplastic-pathogen interactions in watercourses.
Lead Supervisor: Dr Karina Marsden
External Partner: Dwr Cymru, Welsh Water
The major goal of this PhD project is to quantify diffuse and point source microplastic loadings into contrasting Conwy River sub-catchments under variable hydrological conditions, to establish shifting pollutant and pathogen mobility and contamination risks during extreme weather events (e.g. flooding and drought).
LiDAR data and drainage maps will be used to assess high-risk areas for plastic loss, based on topography and connectivity to watercourses. Field sampling across replicated sub-catchments in the Conwy Catchment Living Lab, will allow for microplastic fingerprinting (concentration, abundance, polymer type, size and shape), alongside continuous collection of weather data, soil moisture and stream flow data to characterise the hydrological regime. Plot-scale and lysimeter experimentation will allow quantification of the microplastic and pathogen leaching and run-off losses under single and combined extreme weather events (flood and drought).
My passion for environmental science led me to explore critical issues like plastic pollution, with a particular focus on microplastics in freshwater ecosystems. My research on microplastic pollution in lakes motivated me to contribute to meaningful solutions for this growing challenge. When I came across the Red-ALERT project, I was immediately drawn to its sense of urgency and ambitious goals. The chance to extend my research from lakes to dynamic river systems, especially within a NERC-funded initiative, was incredibly exciting. What captivated me even more was the opportunity to study how different organisms interact with microplastics—an area I hadn’t explored before but was eager to learn about. Red-ALERT is an essential step forward in advancing freshwater monitoring, and I’m thrilled to be part of this transformative effort.
Yashi Jain