The Naked Scientists Podcast Titans of Science: Richard Thompson
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Apr 15, 2025 Marine biologist Richard Thompson, known for his groundbreaking work on microplastics, shares his journey from initial observations to pivotal research. He dives into the alarming effects of microplastics on marine life and human health, emphasizing the urgent need for action. The discussion also highlights the development of biodegradable alternatives and the challenges of effective plastic recycling. Thompson advocates for sustainable plastic solutions and stresses the importance of consumer education in reducing plastic waste.
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Discovery of Microplastics
- Richard Thompson discovered the microplastic problem while studying shore ecology experiments cluttered with litter.
- He and students collected sand samples and confirmed tiny plastics smaller than grains of sand on UK beaches.
Plastics as Toxic Chemical Carriers
- Plastics absorb hydrophobic pollutants in seawater and can release them into organisms after ingestion.
- Release rates increase up to 30 times inside warm-blooded creatures compared to clean seawater.
Comparing Chemical Exposure Routes
- While plastics carry pollutants, their chemical impact on marine life is currently minor compared to direct exposure through diet or water.
- Plastic contributes but isn't the major route of toxic chemical uptake in marine organisms yet.