Episode 1: Reaching New Heights in Plastic Pollution with Dr Imogen Napper
Season 1, Episode 1
In the very first podcast episode, hosts Mads and Charlie catch up with marine biologist and microplastics researcher, Dr Imogen Napper. From analysing the world’s first microplastic samples on Everest to washing hundreds of micro-fibre shedding clothes in a dark cupboard of Plymouth university, tune in to discover what it’s like to be on the forefront on microplastics research - and which solutions might help us prevent the ocean from becoming even more of a plastic soup.
Introducing: Dr Imogen Napper
Dr Imogen Napper (@imogennapper) is a marine scientist working as a Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth (U.K.). Her research focuses on understanding the different sources of plastic pollution into the marine environment. Imogen’s work helped influence the ban of microbeads in cosmetics internationally, where she found there could be up to 3 million plastic beads packed in one facial scrub bottle. Her research discovered that biodegradable bags could still hold full loads of shopping after being in the ocean for 3 years. Imogen also found that >700,000 plastic fibers could potentially come off your clothes after a typical wash in a washing machine, however, some inventions could capture 80% of the fibers and thereby stop them reaching the ocean. Her most recent research revealed the highest recorded presence of microplastics near the top of Mt. Everest. Currently, Imogen has also worked as an expedition scientist on the National Geographic “Sea to Source: Ganges” expedition team, investigating plastic pollution in a major river system.
Featured Papers
Reaching New Heights in Plastic Pollution— Preliminary Findings of Microplastics on Mount Everest
About the Podcast
Did you know that women are still rarely featured as first authors in leading scientific journals? Hosted by marine biologists Madeline St Clair & Charlie Young, the brand new Women in Ocean Science Podcast is here to put a new spin on scientific publications and to smash down gender stereotypes in marine science. From chemical oceanography to fisheries to tropical marine biology, the podcast champions the women behind the science, featuring a different ocean science paper and its corresponding author each week. Tune in every Monday for a podcast that celebrates the pioneering female researchers of today - and sheds a positive light on protecting the ocean.