Articles
Daisy Harley-Nyang, Postgraduate Researcher
Daisy Harley-Nyang - Water They Up To: CWS in the Spotlight
Next to feature in our 'Water They Up To: CWS in the Spotlight' series is Daisy Harley-Nyang, Postgraduate Researcher (WISE CDT).
What is your research about?
I am researching microplastics in wastewater, sewage sludge, and soils with the aim of identifying, quantifying and characterising microplastics in the different matrices. I am investigating the impact sludge treatment has on microplastic concentration and morphology, and whether the recycling of sludge (biosolids) to land is a source of microplastics to the terrestrial environment.
What is the most exciting part about your research?
My research consists primarily of fieldwork and lab work. The most exciting part is getting to work with the water industry and collect my samples from a wastewater treatment work. The fieldwork, which involves collecting wastewater and sludge samples, is exciting and has given me the opportunity to become more familiar with an operational wastewater treatment works.
When thinking about water, what place comes to mind first and why?
When thinking about water, the first place that comes to mind is Staunton Sands Beach near to where I live in North Devon. It’s a very large expanse of sandy beach, with beautiful surrounding countryside, the largest sand dune system in England, and an amazing place to watch the sun set over the sea with Lundy Island in the distance. It’s also a great place to swim and surf.
Which movie or book character would you most associate with water?
Roger Deakin is a character (and author) from a book I most associate with water. The book 'Waterlog', written by Roger Deakin, is a wonderful celebration of water and nature, and a personal swimming journey across different aquatic environments around the UK.
View Daisy's WISE CDT profile.
Date: 25 October 2021