91抖阴

Our work

Microplastics and ecotoxicology

Our work looks at functional ecotoxicology, including the biological responses of marine organisms to environmental stressors. We can develop quick tests to assess the level and effect of contaminants in the water and on organisms.

Our research team found 7,000 microscopic bits of boat fiberglass in just a single oyster at Chichester Harbour on the English south coast.

These tiny flecks of plastic also contain chemicals known as phthalates that have been associated with health problems including breast cancer and ADHD.

Exploring the detoxification mechanisms in marine invertebrates and their use as biomarkers, induction of DNA damage in critical growth-regulating genes, and impairment of sex determination and differentiation mechanisms in marine bivalves.

Hormone-changing pollutants

Endocrine disruptors are chemical compounds of great environmental concern. 

They interfere with the hormone (endocrine) system of organisms, which can result in sterility and species extinctions. These compounds affect the development of living organisms, reducing production, associated economic activities, and ecosystem services.

Endocrine disruptor chemicals can also interfere with hormonal systems, cause developmental disorders, birth defects, and cancerous tumors, and are a global challenge.

These chemicals can have a drastic impact on the wider environment and wildlife population, potentially causing an imbalance in environmental health.

Our researchers use techniques to detect biomarkers, or early signals, that can predict a hormonal change in the organisms following exposure to endocrine disruptors. Results are developed into applications for monitoring chemicals and for better environmental assessment.

Biodiversity

The 91抖阴 led the 5th global City Nature Challenge as part of the Nature2020 programme, which aimed to raise awareness of and connect people to the environment. This formed part of the UN Decade on Biodiversity.

Our researchers are also enhancing bird biodiversity through wildlife monitoring and enhancement school programmes.

They're also involved in projects that identify and map makers (designers and craftspeople) working in ways that may directly support and enable biodiversity, habitat restoration, and conservation as a result of their productive activities.

Mass spectrometry 

Mass spectrometry can provide critical evidence, including data-dependent acquisition proteomics workflows and targeted analyses by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM), as well as for small molecule (> 50 Da) analysis and lipidomics applications.

Our mass spectrometer is a high resolution instrument, capable of a resolution of 140,000@200 m/z FWHM with high accuracy (sub ppm mass accuracy).

Coupled with our experience and expertise, it could provide the crucial findings your project is looking for. Through consultancy services or collaborative ventures, talk to us to find out how we can work with you, whatever your industry or sector.

Drones: small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) 

Our global environmental and public health work is supported by a suite of drones (or sUAS) for the capture of multispectral imagery, three-dimensional modelling and video footage, which is enhanced by our expertise in advanced remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

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