Julian Aherne is an associate professor in the School of Environment at Trent University. During the last three decades his research has primarily focused on the impacts of air pollution on natural ecosystems. In 2017 he expanded his research to explore the emerging issue of microplastics, particularly their movement, fate and accumulation in the environment. This area of study presents many novel challenges, as it requires an understanding of the complex ways in which microplastics interact with environmental processes, from atmospheric transport to aquatic and terrestrial deposition. Julian’s interdisciplinary approach combines environmental science, biogeochemistry and pollution ecology to better understand how microplastics impact our environment. His work also aims to inform policy and guide efforts to mitigate the spread of microplastics globally.
