Molly Rutter

PhD Summary

Microplastics are ubiquitous across all fluvial systems, yet their behaviour within these domains is poorly understood. The knowledge gap that exists, especially regarding microplastics in riverbed sediments, is limiting our potential to mitigate and manage this pollutant. This PhD project aims to understand how hydrodynamic conditions influence microplastic infiltration and retention in riverbeds and if other factors, like density or sediment size, are also impacting behaviours. Flume experiments will be used to alter and isolate different conditions to help us gain a better understanding. 

Previous activity

I did my undergraduate degree at the University of Cumbria, studying marine and freshwater conservation. My dissertation project looked at wastewater treatment plants as a source of microplastic pollution into Lake District rivers.

Since graduating, I have been an intern in Croatia on a dolphin monitoring project, an environmental researcher working out the carbon emissions of hospital waste and a summer geomorphology intern with the Environment Agency.

Why did you choose CENTA?

I like that CENTA aims to grow us as academic individuals by teaching us additional skills alongside our PhD, that will not only benefit our projects but benefit our future careers. I also think being part of a cohort with likeminded individuals and receiving extra support outside of our Universities helps with not feeling alone throughout this research.