Aug 21, 2020
Aquatic ecologist Timothy
Hoellein studies the impact of trash on aquatic ecology and
biodiversity.
He tells listeners
Timothy Hoellein is an associate
professor of biology at Loyola University in Chicago. In this
podcast, he focuses on the impact and
ecology of solid waste in our streams and rivers and how these
findings may impact waste management policy. He works on measuring
the sources, movement, and biological interactions of trash when it
enters our waterways.
He explains that not only must aquatic ecologists focus on what's
in the water, they also must measure the way trash moves. For
example, some materials like metal, construction debris, and
fabrics are pretty stable. But lighter materials and buoyant trash
can travel pretty far—even as far as the ocean. Finally, many
materials can be retained in the rivers and integrated into its
ecology.
He also explains how litter
breaks down in different ways. He adds that aquatic ecologists are
less concerned about glass because it's more of an inert material
and animals don't try and eat it. Plastic, on the other hand,
breaks down over time and can be ingested, which is more
concerning. It can harm animals in different ways, including making
them feel full when they aren't.
Professor Hoellein touches on numerous other topics, from concerns
over sewage overflow to methods and tools for measuring and
collecting samples.
For more, see his page on
Loyola's website: luc.edu/biology/hoellein.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK