Effects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium on freshwater animals: a modelling framework

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dc.contributor.authorZink, Lauren M.
dc.contributor.authorUniversity of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
dc.contributor.supervisorPyle, Gregory
dc.contributor.supervisorWiseman, Steve
dc.date.accessioned2024-03-21T21:19:49Z
dc.date.available2024-03-21T21:19:49Z
dc.date.issued2023
dc.degree.levelPh.D
dc.description.abstractThe emerging field of microplastic-metal mixtures toxicity is riddled with contradictory conclusions relating to the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of the mixture and each constituent. After initially setting out to fill knowledge gaps through several studies with a phylogenetically diverse set of animal models and exposure scenarios, I recognized that this work contradicted other studies in the field. This thesis draws on our developed understanding of metal behaviour and toxicity in an effort to resolve the confusion relating to microplastic-metal mixtures toxicity. Despite the well-established knowledge that water quality characteristics govern the behaviour of metals in freshwater systems, there has not been adequate water quality reporting in the field of microplastic-metal mixtures toxicity. To address the reality that providing a full suite of water quality characterization is not often feasible for each experiment, we created a model to predict which aspects of water quality primarily govern the association of cadmium and polyethylene, a representative microplastic. The model, combined with understanding the bioavailability of metal-microplastic complexes, provides insight into the hazards of metal toxicity in a given system. This model promotes the harmonization across research in the field which can then collectively be used in policy development to protect aquatic life.
dc.embargoNo
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10133/6724
dc.language.isoen
dc.proquestyesNo
dc.publisherLethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences
dc.publisher.departmentDepartment of Biological Sciences
dc.publisher.facultyArts and Science
dc.relation.ispartofseriesThesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science)
dc.subjectmetal-microplastic complexes
dc.subjectmicroplastic-metal mixture toxicity
dc.subjectfreshwater systems
dc.subjectcadmium
dc.subjectpolyethylene
dc.subjectmicroplastics
dc.subjectfresh water animals
dc.subject.lcshMicroplastics--Environmental aspects--Research
dc.subject.lcshMicroplastics--Physiological effect--Research
dc.subject.lcshCadmium--Environmental aspects--Research
dc.subject.lcshCadmium--Physiological effect--Research
dc.subject.lcshPolyethylene--Environmental aspects--Research
dc.subject.lcshPolyethylene--Physiological effect--Research
dc.subject.lcshFreshwater animals--Effect of water pollution on
dc.subject.lcshFresh water--Environmental aspects
dc.subject.lcshMicroplastics--Toxicology
dc.subject.lcshWater--Pollution
dc.subject.lcshDissertations, Academic
dc.titleEffects of polyethylene microplastics and cadmium on freshwater animals: a modelling framework
dc.typeThesis
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