Congratulations to Ellie and Tsambika, from Presbyterian Ladies' College, Sydney for winning the 2019 Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Secondary competition for their project on MicroPlastics in Fish.
Earlier this year, Envirolab Sydney assisted these talented young scientists with some testing of fish guts for phthalates through the GC-MS. Following the laboratory testing, Group Commercial Manager, David Springer met with Ellie and Tsambika to discuss the results. The chemicals, Diethyl phthalate, Dibutyl phthalate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and Di-n-octyl phthalate were detected in the samples. David explained that whilst finding phthalates was a good indicator that plastic was in the water, it did not necessarily mean that the fish had digested the plastic itself.
As part of their Fish Fiasco project, the girls investigated how microplastics might end up in the ocean. Ellie and Tsambika interviewed scientists, visted a water treatment facility and even examined the contents of a fish stomach, to identify how society's use of plastics may impact our living environment. A detailed explanation about the project and what was involved can be found on the Australian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA) website.
Well done girls for a great project and achievement! We look forward to keep in touch and hear about your future progress and development as tomorrow's leaders.
About the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize
Sponsored by the University of Sydney, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize encourages primary and high school students, from across Australia, to explore a scientific concept, discovery or invention, or test their own scientific hypothesis in a 1-3 minute film.
More Information and How to Get Involved
https://australianmuseum.net.au/get-involved/eureka-prizes/sleek-geeks-science