Young Researchers investigate the Influence
from Microplastic on Marine life
Röchling Foundation cooperates with GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel
Mussels continuously filter particles out of the water. The animals live on it. But does it make a difference to the organism whether it separates naturally occurring sediments or microplastic particles? Future marine biologists from different countries are investigating this question as part of their master’s theses.
The international research initiative is coordinated at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel. The Röchling Foundation supports the project with financial support for the necessary staff positions.
It has been proven that microplastic has completely covered the food chain – right down to the human being. Still, it is unclear what influence the tiny plastic particles actually have on the receiving organisms. The work of the young researchers on mussels will provide valuable information on this topic. The fact that the participants come from different continents and carry out their coordinated experiments is a great advantage. That way, the mussels can be exposed to microplastic under different conditions.
The GEOMAR program GAME follows a fixed pattern every year: students at the Kiel Institute form tandems with other students at an international partner institution. All teams meet twice in Kiel to bring their results together.