Sample interview questions: How do you assess and monitor the impacts of microplastic pollution on freshwater ecosystems?
Sample answer:
Assessing and Monitoring Microplastic Impacts on Freshwater Ecosystems
1. Sampling and Quantification:
- Collect water samples using neuston nets, plankton nets, and sediment corers to capture microplastics of various sizes and densities.
- Use microscopy and spectroscopic techniques (e.g., FTIR, Raman spectroscopy) to identify and quantify microplastics in samples.
2. Microplastic Occurrence and Distribution:
- Map the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in different water bodies and habitats.
- Determine microplastic abundance, size ranges, and polymer types to identify sources and hotspots.
3. Ecological Impacts Assessment:
- Conduct laboratory and mesocosm experiments to study the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms (e.g., zooplankton, fish, macroinvertebrates).
- Assess microplastic ingestion, accumulation, and potential toxic effects on organism health, growth, and reproduction.
4. Food Web Dynamics and Trophic Transfer:
- Trace microplastic movement through food webs by analyzing the stomach contents of predators and prey species.
- Determine the potential for biomagnification of microplastics and its consequences for ecosystem structure.
5. Habitat Alteration and Ecosystem Function:
- Invest… Read full answer