Isobel Evans is a Doctoral Researcher in Geography at Loughborough University. Her research focuses on the formation and ecological impacts of biofilms on synthetic and natural textile fibres in freshwater ecosystems, including how these biofilms influence the ingestion and retention of fibres by invertebrates. Isobel completed her Master of Research in Geography at the University of Nottingham, where her project assessed the influence of fibre type and biofilms on the interactions between freshwater invertebrates and textile fibres.
She also holds a BSc in Geography from Loughborough University. Her broader interests include freshwater ecology, microplastic and textile fibre pollution, and experimental approaches to understanding aquatic food web interactions.
Conducting research on Fluffy food: Assessing microplastic and natural fibre interactions with biofilms and aquatic invertebrates in rivers, lakes, and the sea.
PGR Supervisors: Dr Thomas Stanton, Professor Paul Roach, Dr Helen Glanville
Isobel Evans’ doctoral research investigates the formation and ecological impacts of biofilms on synthetic and natural textile fibres in aquatic ecosystems. Her work focuses on how these biofilms influence the ingestion and retention of fibres by aquatic invertebrates, and the potential consequences for aquatic food web dynamics.
To address these questions, Isobel uses a combination of laboratory experiments and controlled mesocosms to examine how fibre type affects biofilm development and how these biofilms affect invertebrate feeding behaviour and retention rates. Her approach integrates microbiological analyses of biofilm communities with invertebrate exposure trials, allowing for a better understanding of the interactions between organisms and fibres.
This research aims to improve understanding of the role of biofilms in shaping the ecological effects of textile fibre pollution. By clarifying how fibres are ingested and retained by key invertebrate species, the study will inform knowledge of fibre transfer through aquatic food webs and potential impacts on ecosystem health.