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| My Canoe on Macclesfield Canal |
Since eXXpedition Round Britain 2017 I have been busy giving talks and writing magazine articles. Now I have started my own project, litter picking the canal system and collecting water samples to analyse for micro plastics. I've been donated a canoe and have been practicing getting in and out - not so easy - I fell in the canal on my first attempt. Paddling took some practice too, I seem to go round in circles a lot. Then I got a small puncture, I could hear the air escaping from underneath me - all fixed now. Then learning how to manoevre the canoe to where the litter is so I can grab it with my litter grabber.
Next step is to start collecting water samples. I have been in touch with several scientists looking at micro plastics for a suitable protocol, and advised to make my own, keeping it reproducible. So for this I need to get together some 500ml jars, funnel, filter papers, foil and zip lock bags. By the way, after the expedition I begged a smartphone desktop microscope - similar to what I had used in Edinburgh - and received one from Heriot Watt University, so I am now looking at micro plastics myself.
This is going to be my new JOB. But of course as a citizen scientist I don't get paid by any organisation. There are a few small grants I can apply for to buy equipment. So I have been asking friends if they would be willing to set up a monthly standing order into my bank account, similar to paying into a charity. Encouraged by the response I am now putting it out. Would you like to contribute to paying me to do this work? I suggest 50p/a pound, two pounds etc. With enough people contributing a small amount each month, this would give me a monthly salary. In return I will post my work and results in this blog, on Facebook, Twitter etc.
Please contact me if you would like my bank details. deborahmaw@hotmail.co.uk 07949965842
Thank you
Deborah
