Microplastics and Chichester Harbour

Concern about the accumulation of marine debris has increased in recent years and numerous surveys worldwide have been carried out. However, the majority of marine litter studies have been focused upon larger debris, easily identifiable by the naked eye. In contrast, the presence of microplastic - debris under 5mm- in the aquatic environment has been largely overlooked and the research on the potential impacts of microplastics on wildlife is in its infancy. Microplastic pollution has now been recognised by the UN Environmental Program as an emerging environmental issue of global scale. 

Partners

Lead community partner - Richard Craven, Other Partners - , Chichester Harbour Oyster Partnership Initiative, , Chichester Harbour Federation
Researcher - , Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯

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Background

This partnership builds on a small-scale Ογ½ΆΦ±²₯ 2018 pilot study to explore plastic pollution in Chichester Harbour. One of the issues of concern is the significant decline in recent years of the oyster population in the harbour and whether microplastics have a role to play in this.

Microplastics have been identified as a particular research focus for the university's Centre for Aquatic Environment. Smaller plastic particles may have a potential toxic effect on organisms; toxicity may originate from the plastic itself or from adsorbed pollutants, such as pesticides. Drifting plastic particles may also provide a platform for marine life (including invasive species, or even pathogens) to attach and get carried away. Debris that sink on the seafloor may also smother the seabed thus damaging the shellfish or seagrass. Accidental or deliberate ingestion of microplastics by marine animals becomes a potential pathway through which marine pollutants and pathogens enter the food chain.

This partnership provided a mechanism for integrating the unique knowledge, experience, and skills of community and scientists. For example, partners worked together on research projects, identifying appropriate funding for future collaborations and supporting/co-supervising project students. In addition, the partnership co-developed research on plastic pollution, to better understand community needs, perceptions and requirements.

Co-produced research enabled the partners to trial new methods for tracking pollutants at different heights in a water column. This is particularly important as larvae often live in the top of the water where microplastics can accumulate. The research also revealed a surprising result – the oysters had ingested thousands of micro glass particles.

The partners held a symposium to raise awareness of the issues and look for community solutions to the problem. Currently, the team are working with a number of local organisations and a range of scientists including a chemist, civil engineer, geologist and microbiologist, to pilot a product aimed at absorbing the glass fibres that are present in the water.

In 2020, EU Interreg Channel funding was secured with the aim to develop quick tests to assess the level and effect of contaminants in the water, on organisms including oysters.

Key activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts

  • The partnership has co-produced groundbreaking research by discovering that local oysters have ingested high levels of glass microfibres. This finding not only has significant local implications, it may also have important impacts globally.
  • The partners now need to explore where the fibres are coming from and the impact they are having. For example, whether they are a significant factor in the reduction of oysters in the harbour causing the fishery to be closed last season.
  • The partners held a symposium on the issues of microplastics in Chichester Harbour, which included local people, regulators, politicians, academics and businesses.
  • The event was live streamed and received widespread publicity and requests to present the findings to other organisations.
  • Research funding has been obtained to extend the project and widen the investigation.
  • Future research will continue to look at these issues, including with students, and create impacts by exploring solutions to the problems identified.