Allicia Fullarton, postgraduate researcher, CDT SuMMeR: Cohort 3

I hold a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, where my thesis explored the deterioration of biodegradable mulch films in the marine environment and determined whether marine invertebrates were a mechanism for their deterioration. After graduating, I worked as a research assistant on the Bio-Plastic-Risk Project at the University of Plymouth investigating the impact of microplastics on soil health. Concurrently, I worked as a marine biology technician, supporting diverse research and teaching activities.

My research focuses on plastic pollution, including biodegradable plastic deterioration and microplastic impacts on plant growth and soil health. Currently, I investigate the effectiveness of clean-up methods for plastic pellet pollution in coastal environments. I have experience in field and laboratory work, plant and animal husbandry, image analysis (ImageJ), statistics, outreach education and citizen science. I have worked in academic settings and participated in research and conservation abroad. I am particularly interested in applying transdisciplinary approaches in my research to guide decision making for pellet clean-ups. Outside my PhD, I am passionate about intertidal ecosystems and their biodiversity.

Billions of pre-production plastic pellets are lost to the environment annually. For instance, the spillage from the X-Press Pearl in Sri Lanka in 2021 resulted in the loss of 1,680 tonnes of plastic pellets (Falk-Andersson et al., 2023) and resulted in significant social, economic, and environmental consequences (FFI, 2022).

My research aims to develop effective and proportionate guidelines for clean-up responses to pellet spills. Taking a transdisciplinary approach will address the current knowledge gaps regarding the ecological, social, and economic impacts of current clean-up options. First, I will review the current understanding of plastic pellet pollution and intertidal clean-up responses. Second, I will assess the efficiency of clean-up methods used across various intertidal environments within the United Kingdom evaluating factors such as the quantities of pellets removed, seasonal variation, and ease of use.

Further field and laboratory work will focus on the unintended environmental impacts of clean-up operations on organisms (injury, death, and displacement) and habitat (erosion, sediment, debris, and algal removal) aiming to determine the least damaging method for each environment type. Additionally, the social and economic costs and benefits (monetary and non-monetary) for clean-up operations and public perspectives will be considered to aid in deciding when clean-up efforts should come to an end.

Finally, this research will result in the formation of practical and adaptable guidelines for pellet spill clean-ups tailored to different shallow marine environments on a case-by-case basis. This transdisciplinary approach, combined with stakeholder involvement aims to improve marine pollution response strategies globally.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I was determined to focus my future research on plastic pollution. I was particularly drawn to the transdisciplinary approach of investigating the ecological, social, and economic impacts of pellet clean-up methods, and understanding how these factors interconnect. This comprehensive perspective is essential for developing effective and proportionate clean-up strategies, and it also allows me to expand my knowledge into new areas within my field. Furthermore, the chance to collaborate with an experienced and well- established research team on this project greatly excites me and motivates my commitment to this critical environmental challenge.