About the talk

Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates, with 41% of species currently at risk of extinction. Among the key drivers of this alarming decline is environmental pollution. During my PhD, I am investigating the multi-level effects of microplastics on amphibians using meta-analytical, physiological and molecular techniques. My work focuses on the accumulation of microplastics in the organs at different life stages, and examines the subsequent impacts at the individual, cellular, and molecular levels. Additionally, I am exploring how biofilm colonisation influences the bioavailability of microplastics in amphibian species.

About the speaker

Colette Ann Martin completed her undergraduate degree in Zoology and a Master’s in Ecology and Environmental Biology at the University of Glasgow. During this time, she investigated the effects of chemical pollutants on amphibians and studied the presence of microplastics in river bird populations. After completing her master's degree, she undertook an internship at the Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), where she researched the impacts of microplastics on health and ageing in filter-feeding amphibians. She's now pursuing a PhD at the Technical University of Braunschweig in Germany, focusing on the multi-level effects of microplastics in amphibians.