I have worked as both a lab instructor, and lab assistant at Athabasca University. Main focus was on Ecology labs, Introductory Biology and Microbiology. I am a certified PADI open water diver, and a quick independent thinker.

Investigate the leaching behaviour of two different plasticisers: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and Di (2-ehtylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) from polystyrene microplastics on the behaviour, growth, mortality and feeding behaviour of the zooplanktonic o

2023 to 2024

Project Description

To determine the effects of DEHP and DEHT plasticizer leachate from PS fibers on copepod behaviour, growth, survival.

Project Importance

Combining the microplastic particle and the incorporated plasticiser together to study the ecotoxicity effects on zooplankton will improve our understanding of the chemical impacts in aquatic environments and broaden aquaculture industries that are reliant on Artemia feed.

Project Methods

Lab based microscale study, looking at both an acute exposure with the Artemia nauplii ( < 24 hours old) where the growth (molting), mortality and feeding rate will be recorded after a 48-hour exposure to the treatment trials. As well as a chronic exposure with the Artemia adults (28 days old) where the growth (length), mortality, feeding rate, and reproductive behaviour will be recorded over a 14-day period.

Project Results

To determine the mechanism of transport that is detrimental to Artemia franciscana. Whether it is the microplastic particle itself, the plasticiser, or both together. My study will help shed light on how microplastics and plasticisers are impacting the aquatic and aquaculture environments to come as plastic pollution slowly degrades over time in our oceans.

Keywords

Behaviour,
Climate change,
Crustaceans,
Microbiology,
Plankton,
Pollution