Fate of Microplastics in the Marine Environment
Chemical
carla.alchahir-alhajjar@polymtl.ca
1) Short presentation
I have graduated with a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in chemical engineering from University of Balamand, Lebanon. I am currently a PhD candidate in chemical engineering at CIRAIG-Polytechnique of Montreal under the supervision of Prof. Anne-Marie Boulay and Prof. Cécile Bulle. My research project, which is part of an international working group named “MariLCA”, focuses on developing fate factors for microplastics emitted in the marine environment as a first step to integrate their potential impacts on marine ecosystem in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
2) What was your method of explaining your thesis in 3 minutes?
My first step was presenting the main problem that interests everyone then summarizing the main ideas about my research and eliminating details while practicing. Watching previous videos for people presenting their thesis in 3 minutes also inspired me to better communicate my project by replacing technical words with other alternative simple ones. I then practiced presenting in front of my friend, whose work is not related to mine, to make sure I clearly deliver my ideas.
3) What inspires you to do research?
I have always been concerned about marine pollution. My research project was initiated by my supervisor as part of “MariLCA’s” framework that integrates potential impacts of marine litters, mainly plastics and microplastics, in Life Cycle Assessment. Being part of this international initiative was very interesting to me as it tackles one of the most important environmental threat in the world focusing on the influence of oceanic microplastic pollution on marine ecosystem.
4) If you have to dedicate your research to anyone in the past, present, or future, who would it be and why?
I dedicate my research to my brother who believes in me and keeps on pushing me further no matter the distances between us. Ever since I started my PhD, he had been and still is a great support that helps me progress every day. I also dedicate this work to every plastic consumer in the future for them to understand the impacts this product has on our environment, specifically our seas and oceans, so they would use it more responsibly.
3 Keywords to explain your thesis
Microplastics, marine environment, fate factors
