Conrad is the principle investigator for marine and coastal microplastics research and leads the team.

Dr Awe is a chemist focusing on research pertaining to organic and metal contaminants linked to microplastics. He assists Dr Sparks with all microplastics research, including managing the Microplastics laboratory, co-supervising students to developing microplastics research.

Ciley is an intern in the MPs lab

Sandisiwe is an intern in the MPs lab

Research Project: Microplastic concentrations in the Zandvlei catchment area and estuary, Cape Town

Zandvlei is situated 25 km south of Cape Town with the mouth opening into False Bay. The Diep River enters the estuary at the Sand River in the North East, with the catchment spreading furthest north into the source of the Diep. The Westlake Rivers also feed into the estuary from the north and Keysers from the Peninsula Mountains’ streams). Zandvlei is temporarily open/closed with its water level artificially controlled by means of a rubble weir which is situated in the outlet channel.

The study aims to provide baseline and quantitative information on microplastics in the catchment and Zandvlei Estuary. Comparisons between microplastics in catchment and vlei will be made using this data and significant differences found between sediment and water as well as seasonal variances.

Research Project: Environmental concentration and uptake of microplastics in selected sea cucumbers and sea urchins (Echinodermata) in South Africa

Research Project: Environmental microplastic concentrations and uptake in selected rocky shore invertebrate filter-feeders, grazers and predators in False Bay, South Africa

Research Project: Impacts of Cape Town stormwater outlets and marine sewage outfall on microplastic distribution and coastal biodiversity

Research Title: Temporal distribution of plastics in Table Bay, Cape Town.

Sinesipho is doing her Work Integrated Learning projects in the MPs lab

Andisiwe is doing her Work Integrated Learning projects in the MPs lab

I am currently a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies. I do research on microplastic and toxicological risk in the environment and assessment of interaction of toxic chemicals with microplastics. My research is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing influences from chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science, environmental chemistry, and ecotoxicity. The overall goal of my research is to address challenges related to improving ecosystem and water quality.

Research Title: Microplastic Pollution in the Diep (Milnerton) River: Exposure and Effects Studies

Supervisor: Prof Opeolu

Co-supervisors: Dr Sparks, Dr Pereao

The research will investigate the extent of microplastic occurrence and the potential ecological and human health risks of microplastics in the Diep River (Milnerton). Microplastics load of the Diep River water samples will be quantified along the Diep River. Samples will be collected twice per season to evaluate possible seasonal variations in microplastic pollution. Spatial variability will also be assessed by collecting samples at predetermined locations on the Diep River. Organisms will be exposed to microplastics in the laboratory to assess possible synergistic or antagonistic effects on the selected test models.

Research Title: Influence of wastewater treatment plant discharge on the water quality of the Veldwachters River, Western Cape

Supervisor: Prof Opeolu

Co-supervisors: Dr Sparks, Dr Pereao

I will assess temporal and spatial distribution of physico-chemical characteristics of the Veldwachters River water samples. The River receives effluent discharge from a wastewater treatment plant (anonymous due to non-disclosure agreement). Onsite and laboratory measurements will be made over 12 months. Microplastics in the wastewater influent, effluent, point of discharge, upstream and downstream samples will also be characterised and quantified to evaluate the wastewater treatment plant efficiency. Organisms will be exposed to microplastics in the laboratory to assess possible synergistic or antagosistic effects on the selected test models. The influence of a wastewater treatment plant on the water quality of the Veldwachters River will be the central focus of the research.

Research Title: Ecological and human health risk assessment of microplastics in the Plankenburg (Stellenbosch) River, Stellenbosch Western Cape

Supervisor: Prof Opeolu

Co-supervisors: Dr Sparks, Dr Pereao