EM (Elisa) Klophaus

I am a recent graduate of the Aquaculture and Marine Resources Management master of WUR, where I specialised in aquatic ecology. I bring an ecological point of view to HWM, and use my experience to apply the knowledge of quantities and distribution of plastics, to impacts on aquatic systems.

During my thesis, I researched the impacts of macro-plastics on mangroves through on-site mesocosm experiments in Vietnam. I outlined the influence of plastic bags on individual mangrove seedlings and saplings, on a mudflat and nursery/restoration site in the Xuan Thuy National Park. This research highlighted the difference in resilience of planted and naturally generated seedlings and saplings on restoration sites. Additionally, through a plastic-release experiment in the same area, I provided insight onto the transport and deposition behaviour of plastic bags using a combination of GIS and modelling. I described the probability of plastic bag being deposited/trapped and the trapping mechanism within a pixel. I also applied a zero-hurdle model to describe the influence of NDVI on the concentration of deposited plastic within pixels, to demonstrate a barrier effect of the forest edge.

During my research practice, I expanded my knowledge of plastic pollution in aquatic systems and gained more experience in transport and behaviour of floating macro-plastics in dynamic tidal systems. Using harmonic modelling, I extrapolated partial observational (visual-counting) data captured at the Guadalete river estuary, covering a full tidal regime. I applied a Fourier harmonic model to describe ebb- and flood-directed movement of plastic items, and the influence of tidal amplitude and discharge on net transport and delivery ratios.

I finalised my master's by completing the Research Master Cluster, where I learned how to write a proposal for the Open Science - M call of the NWO. The proposal written focused on unravelling the different dimensions in which macro-plastics influence mangrove ecosystems. It applied the knowledge gained from my thesis and research practice to describe the mechanisms of impact and the socio-ecological consequences. To this day, I continue to develop this proposal in own time, with the aim to apply to the call and fund my own PhD.

Within HWM, I continue to grow and develop my personal and research competences, to shape me into the researcher I aspire to be, in the field I am most passionate about: plastic impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Here, I am contributing to understanding the various impacts of both macro- and micro-plastics on flora and fauna, human health and wellbeing, and economic activities. Additionally, I am applying this knowledge to unravel how these impacts translate into impacts on ecosystem services. I strive in the multi-disciplinarity nature of these tasks, and hope to make a meaningful contribution in these fields through the upcoming publications that I aim to finalise during my time at HWM.

I am very enthusiastic to continue to develop my skills, and collaborate with researchers from various fields and disciplines. Plastic pollution is a complex issue that I believe requires close collaboration of various research disciplines. So, please feel open to reach out for discussions or collaborations on these topics! I would be happy to contribute to any research that aims to unravel the complexity of plastics in the environment.