Bharathkumar RAJAGOPAL

I’m a Doctoral student at amU under the supervision of Dr. Christos Panagiotopoulos (MIO) and Dr. Stéphanie Rossignol (LCE). My research interests focus on transport dynamics of Tyre Wear Particles (TWP)/Residues (TWR) and its associated additives.

Around 70% of ocean pollution comes from land-based sources, carried by wind and runoff before settling in coastal waters. From microplastics to industrial chemicals, these pollutants don’t just stay put; they move through air, land, and sea, reshaping ecosystems and threatening marine life. Studies show tire wear particles alone account for more than 45% of microplastic pollution in oceans, disrupting food chains and even entering human diets through seafood. My PhD will focus on tracing the sources and pathways of TWP/TWR and their associated additives, examining how they reach the ocean and what impacts they have on marine systems.

Feel free to call me Bharath. If you’re curious about how to pronounce my name, I’ve put together a quick pronunciation guide 🔍.

Science, for me, is less about having answers and more about learning to ask better questions.