The lecture is based on a growing concern from the use of plastic, increasing waste in our environment and the fear of toxicity to humans. They are two young presenters who are conducting doctoral research. Carmel’s background is in land contamination, while Anyame specialises in water contamination. Together they cover the pathways that may lead to food contamination from micro plastics.
The presentation outlines microplastics as a growing concern stemming from plastic use. It highlights their presence in the food chain, water and soil and enduring environmental impact as well as uncertainties regarding toxicity to humans. Recommendations focus on research and mitigation to address this emerging contaminant effectively.
Carmel Towns is the holder of the Dr Joan Woodberry postgraduate fellowship in Engineering at the University of Tasmania. She has worked as an environmental consultant for 15 years, predominantly in contaminated land assessment. Prior to that she worked in local government for 14 years in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Her current research is in the areas of microplastics and pathways into the food chain
Anyame Bawa Sadique has experience in stormwater, wastewater, and water treatment projects. His current research focusses on understanding microplastics contamination in Tasmanian soil via wastewater treatment plant biosolids application and developing mitigation technology.
The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.
On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people. Read more