Kate Spencer
@profkatespencer.bsky.social
Academic interested in pollution, saltmarsh, coasts, estuaries, muddy sediment and microplastics, legacy waste, historic landfill. Professor of Environmental Geochemistry at Queen Mary University of London. #tonsilcancer
Pinned
Yesterday I was on BBC Morning Live talking landfill. This is a BIG deal. Not because I was on the telly. But because 6 months ago I had major surgery for #tonsilcancer affecting my eating, swallowing and talking. Read the thread to learn how to spot the signs and symptoms 1/8
This is pretty unbelievable - I really thought landfill leachate was better managed.
Liquid oozing from landfill + industrial waste + sewage - treated for pathogens then split, the solid part spread on farmland, the liquid part released into rivers - what could go wrong?
Our latest article out now:
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Our latest article out now:
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Thousands of tonnes of toxic landfill liquid added to sewage and spread on English farms
Exclusive: Leachate is tankered to treatment works where it mixes with sewage and industrial effluent
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2025 at 3:33 PM
This is pretty unbelievable - I really thought landfill leachate was better managed.
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Does anyone in the South of England have a wasp nest in their garden they would wish removed anytime in the next five weeks? This research led by Dr Bob Brown @dr-bob-brown.bsky.social, is helping with control of invasive wasps in New Zealand.
August 26, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Does anyone in the South of England have a wasp nest in their garden they would wish removed anytime in the next five weeks? This research led by Dr Bob Brown @dr-bob-brown.bsky.social, is helping with control of invasive wasps in New Zealand.
Under the right conditions - such as landfills - plastics could take millennia to degrade. Potentially forming future ‘techno fossils’. Fascinating read from Sarah Gabbot.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Understanding environmental impacts of plastic requires a palaeontological lens - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Growing evidence suggests that timescales for plastic degradation have been vastly underestimated. The fossil record of plastic-like biopolymers might provide a perspective on plastic fossilization in...
www.nature.com
August 26, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Under the right conditions - such as landfills - plastics could take millennia to degrade. Potentially forming future ‘techno fossils’. Fascinating read from Sarah Gabbot.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
How can we assess whether microbial degradation of plastic pollution has occurred? Our new systematic review, led by Jennifer Scott, assesses a multitude of methods & makes recommendations to improve study design @heriotwattuni.bsky.social
authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0048-9697(25)01917-5
authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0048-9697(25)01917-5
August 25, 2025 at 8:01 AM
How can we assess whether microbial degradation of plastic pollution has occurred? Our new systematic review, led by Jennifer Scott, assesses a multitude of methods & makes recommendations to improve study design @heriotwattuni.bsky.social
authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0048-9697(25)01917-5
authors.elsevier.com/sd/article/S0048-9697(25)01917-5
Reposted by Kate Spencer
What a mess we have made of this #PoisonedPlanet, and #PublicHealth.
"Research found connections among Pfas-related gene changes and biological pathways involved in leukemia, bladder, liver, thyroid and breast cancers, Alzheimer’s, lupus, asthma & tuberculosis"
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Research found connections among Pfas-related gene changes and biological pathways involved in leukemia, bladder, liver, thyroid and breast cancers, Alzheimer’s, lupus, asthma & tuberculosis"
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Exposure to some common Pfas changes gene activity, new study finds
Findings help decipher mechanisms through which ‘forever chemicals’ cause disease, aiding in treating health problems
www.theguardian.com
August 16, 2025 at 6:15 AM
What a mess we have made of this #PoisonedPlanet, and #PublicHealth.
"Research found connections among Pfas-related gene changes and biological pathways involved in leukemia, bladder, liver, thyroid and breast cancers, Alzheimer’s, lupus, asthma & tuberculosis"
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"Research found connections among Pfas-related gene changes and biological pathways involved in leukemia, bladder, liver, thyroid and breast cancers, Alzheimer’s, lupus, asthma & tuberculosis"
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
We're just starting to understand the #biodiversity we are fast trashing.
"Cryoconite granules - frozen rainforests”. Each is a self-sustaining ecosystem, containing diverse bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists & even tiny animals like tardigrades & worms"
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
"Cryoconite granules - frozen rainforests”. Each is a self-sustaining ecosystem, containing diverse bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists & even tiny animals like tardigrades & worms"
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Arctic glaciers face ‘terminal’ decline as microbes accelerate ice melt
Scientists in Svalbard in race to study polar microbes as global heating threatens fragile glacial ecosystems
www.theguardian.com
August 16, 2025 at 6:22 AM
We're just starting to understand the #biodiversity we are fast trashing.
"Cryoconite granules - frozen rainforests”. Each is a self-sustaining ecosystem, containing diverse bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists & even tiny animals like tardigrades & worms"
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
"Cryoconite granules - frozen rainforests”. Each is a self-sustaining ecosystem, containing diverse bacteria, fungi, viruses, protists & even tiny animals like tardigrades & worms"
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/a...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Are you ready for a leadership role where science meets impact?
If you see yourself as the next Head of Advice at ICES Secretariat, make sure you get your application in soon!
The deadline to apply for this position is Sunday 17 August 2025!
🔗 Apply here www.ices.dk/about-ICES/J...
If you see yourself as the next Head of Advice at ICES Secretariat, make sure you get your application in soon!
The deadline to apply for this position is Sunday 17 August 2025!
🔗 Apply here www.ices.dk/about-ICES/J...
August 14, 2025 at 7:20 AM
Are you ready for a leadership role where science meets impact?
If you see yourself as the next Head of Advice at ICES Secretariat, make sure you get your application in soon!
The deadline to apply for this position is Sunday 17 August 2025!
🔗 Apply here www.ices.dk/about-ICES/J...
If you see yourself as the next Head of Advice at ICES Secretariat, make sure you get your application in soon!
The deadline to apply for this position is Sunday 17 August 2025!
🔗 Apply here www.ices.dk/about-ICES/J...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Wow - really interesting trial for treating people with advanced head and neck cancer casued by #HPVcancer (like my own) - 'A cancer vaccine using mRNA technology will help the immune system recognise and kill cancer cells containing HPV proteins' #cansky 🧪
bit.ly/4m2LghH
bit.ly/4m2LghH
NHS England » NHS to fast-track patients with head and neck cancer into cancer vaccine trial
NHS England » NHS to fast-track patients with head and neck cancer into cancer vaccine trial
bit.ly
August 9, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Wow - really interesting trial for treating people with advanced head and neck cancer casued by #HPVcancer (like my own) - 'A cancer vaccine using mRNA technology will help the immune system recognise and kill cancer cells containing HPV proteins' #cansky 🧪
bit.ly/4m2LghH
bit.ly/4m2LghH
Reposted by Kate Spencer
A great few days in #LymeRegis collecting sediment samples to assess the impact and risk posed by an eroding coastal landfill - 80+ samples retrieved and excited to see what they tell us once we get them in the lab! #RACC
@profkatespencer.bsky.social @sgrieve.bsky.social
@qmul.bsky.social
@profkatespencer.bsky.social @sgrieve.bsky.social
@qmul.bsky.social
July 24, 2025 at 8:41 AM
A great few days in #LymeRegis collecting sediment samples to assess the impact and risk posed by an eroding coastal landfill - 80+ samples retrieved and excited to see what they tell us once we get them in the lab! #RACC
@profkatespencer.bsky.social @sgrieve.bsky.social
@qmul.bsky.social
@profkatespencer.bsky.social @sgrieve.bsky.social
@qmul.bsky.social
What a great few days. Smiles all round, ALL the weather, lots of sampling and all on film! @geomorphicjosh.bsky.social @sgrieve.bsky.social
July 24, 2025 at 11:25 AM
What a great few days. Smiles all round, ALL the weather, lots of sampling and all on film! @geomorphicjosh.bsky.social @sgrieve.bsky.social
Reposted by Kate Spencer
An excellent piece out today by @phoebeweston.bsky.social at the Guardian on our NERC ECOMIX project which is exploring chemical pollution in Yorkshire's rivers.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Pesticides, antibiotics, animal medicines: the chemical cocktail seeping into our rivers
The list of everyday pollutants is a long one, and they could be as damaging to our water ecosystems as sewage spills
www.theguardian.com
May 29, 2025 at 10:11 AM
An excellent piece out today by @phoebeweston.bsky.social at the Guardian on our NERC ECOMIX project which is exploring chemical pollution in Yorkshire's rivers.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
It's #NationalFestivalOfFieldwork in June & have a read of Fiona Sheriff's blog for @geographicalassoc.bsky.social
"Fieldwork is such an important part of the geography curriculum for all age groups and we need to ensure it stays firmly on the map."
ga-blog.org/2025/05/30/g...
"Fieldwork is such an important part of the geography curriculum for all age groups and we need to ensure it stays firmly on the map."
ga-blog.org/2025/05/30/g...
Get outside! Take part in the National Festival of Fieldwork - The GA Blog
Fiona Sheriff introduces the National Festival of Fieldwork and encourages everyone to take part with their students this June!
ga-blog.org
June 1, 2025 at 4:50 PM
It's #NationalFestivalOfFieldwork in June & have a read of Fiona Sheriff's blog for @geographicalassoc.bsky.social
"Fieldwork is such an important part of the geography curriculum for all age groups and we need to ensure it stays firmly on the map."
ga-blog.org/2025/05/30/g...
"Fieldwork is such an important part of the geography curriculum for all age groups and we need to ensure it stays firmly on the map."
ga-blog.org/2025/05/30/g...
The inter-linked risks of climate change and our waste legacy will be felt along our eroding coastlines. Nice interview of @andyrussell.bsky.social at @egu.eu.
www.newscientist.com/article/2480...
@newscientist.com. Details of our @qmul.ac.uk @ukri.org project at www.ukcoastalandfillresilience.org
www.newscientist.com/article/2480...
@newscientist.com. Details of our @qmul.ac.uk @ukri.org project at www.ukcoastalandfillresilience.org
Toxic waste is spilling onto beaches as rising seas erode landfills
Waste from old landfill sites is spilling onto beaches as rising seas erode coastlines - and some of it is toxic
www.newscientist.com
May 20, 2025 at 9:17 AM
The inter-linked risks of climate change and our waste legacy will be felt along our eroding coastlines. Nice interview of @andyrussell.bsky.social at @egu.eu.
www.newscientist.com/article/2480...
@newscientist.com. Details of our @qmul.ac.uk @ukri.org project at www.ukcoastalandfillresilience.org
www.newscientist.com/article/2480...
@newscientist.com. Details of our @qmul.ac.uk @ukri.org project at www.ukcoastalandfillresilience.org
Yet more reasons to watch #eurovision 😃 #geographyteacher
If you need some #geography with your #Eurovision2023. My piece for TES on last year's competition
4 ways to explore Eurovision in geography www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
4 ways to explore Eurovision in geography www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
Eurovision can bring glitz to geography lessons
The quasi-European festival of glitter and glam returns this month, bringing interesting perspectives for young geographers to consider
www.tes.com
May 17, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Yet more reasons to watch #eurovision 😃 #geographyteacher
Great day out filming with Pete Middleton from Feefiefoe. Cryptic clue - we saw a LOT of old tights. Watch this space….
For more details of his great work see www.feefiefoe.co.uk/about. @qmul.ac.uk
For more details of his great work see www.feefiefoe.co.uk/about. @qmul.ac.uk
May 2, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Great day out filming with Pete Middleton from Feefiefoe. Cryptic clue - we saw a LOT of old tights. Watch this space….
For more details of his great work see www.feefiefoe.co.uk/about. @qmul.ac.uk
For more details of his great work see www.feefiefoe.co.uk/about. @qmul.ac.uk
Reposted by Kate Spencer
If you're interested in marine ecosystems, the Seascape Symposium at ZSL is the place to be on the 4-5th June. I'll be in London talking about the Sussex Kelp Restoration Project www.zsl.org/seascape-sym...
May 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM
If you're interested in marine ecosystems, the Seascape Symposium at ZSL is the place to be on the 4-5th June. I'll be in London talking about the Sussex Kelp Restoration Project www.zsl.org/seascape-sym...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Here's the 50 day free link of our recent paper on Land use impacts on mangrove bird diversity and abundance kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F...
kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me
May 1, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Here's the 50 day free link of our recent paper on Land use impacts on mangrove bird diversity and abundance kwnsfk27.r.eu-west-1.awstrack.me/L0/https:%2F...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Historic landfill expert @profkatespencer.bsky.social
from Queen Mary University of London, who helped with the investigation, said that in hundreds of years of dumping waste humans had “never really considered the consequences”.
#geographerinthenews
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
from Queen Mary University of London, who helped with the investigation, said that in hundreds of years of dumping waste humans had “never really considered the consequences”.
#geographerinthenews
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More than 100 landfills in England may be leaching ‘highly hazardous’ waste
Inadequate record keeping means councils do not know whether former waste sites contain toxic substances
www.theguardian.com
April 28, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Historic landfill expert @profkatespencer.bsky.social
from Queen Mary University of London, who helped with the investigation, said that in hundreds of years of dumping waste humans had “never really considered the consequences”.
#geographerinthenews
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
from Queen Mary University of London, who helped with the investigation, said that in hundreds of years of dumping waste humans had “never really considered the consequences”.
#geographerinthenews
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Some great opportunities here for #PGR #PhD students working on #sediment #water #pollution #bluecarbon #Coasts Abstract and summerschool deadline April 7th
iasws2025.univ-lille.fr
iasws2025.univ-lille.fr
Home - IASWS 2025 - 16th International Symposium on the Interactions between Sediments and Water - Université de Lille
iasws2025.univ-lille.fr
March 20, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Some great opportunities here for #PGR #PhD students working on #sediment #water #pollution #bluecarbon #Coasts Abstract and summerschool deadline April 7th
iasws2025.univ-lille.fr
iasws2025.univ-lille.fr
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Nappies hanging from coral reefs, recycling workers exposed to hazardous chemicals: our report on the harsh reality of UK plastic "recycling" shipped to Malaysia 👇🏾
1/6
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
1/6
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
March 8, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Nappies hanging from coral reefs, recycling workers exposed to hazardous chemicals: our report on the harsh reality of UK plastic "recycling" shipped to Malaysia 👇🏾
1/6
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
1/6
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Today is #HPVawarenessday. I was diagnosed with #HPV #tonsilcancer last summer. Make sure you get your kids vaccinated for this largely preventable cancer. I was lucky and it was caught early - unfortunately lots of people don’t know the signs ⬇️ for more info www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
March 4, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Today is #HPVawarenessday. I was diagnosed with #HPV #tonsilcancer last summer. Make sure you get your kids vaccinated for this largely preventable cancer. I was lucky and it was caught early - unfortunately lots of people don’t know the signs ⬇️ for more info www.nhs.uk/vaccinations...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Do you want to work on improving some of the most widely used global climate datasets?
We are offering a 34-month research / climate data science post to further develop CRU TS and CRUTEM @climateuea.bsky.social @ncas-uk.bsky.social
vacancies.uea.ac.uk/vacancies/14...
We are offering a 34-month research / climate data science post to further develop CRU TS and CRUTEM @climateuea.bsky.social @ncas-uk.bsky.social
vacancies.uea.ac.uk/vacancies/14...
February 27, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Do you want to work on improving some of the most widely used global climate datasets?
We are offering a 34-month research / climate data science post to further develop CRU TS and CRUTEM @climateuea.bsky.social @ncas-uk.bsky.social
vacancies.uea.ac.uk/vacancies/14...
We are offering a 34-month research / climate data science post to further develop CRU TS and CRUTEM @climateuea.bsky.social @ncas-uk.bsky.social
vacancies.uea.ac.uk/vacancies/14...
Reposted by Kate Spencer
Announcing now - 61 shows / 7 reissued albums / 7 official shirts.
All are on sale tomorrow.
stereolab.ffm.to/2lpreissues
All are on sale tomorrow.
stereolab.ffm.to/2lpreissues
February 27, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Announcing now - 61 shows / 7 reissued albums / 7 official shirts.
All are on sale tomorrow.
stereolab.ffm.to/2lpreissues
All are on sale tomorrow.
stereolab.ffm.to/2lpreissues
Reposted by Kate Spencer
How humanity’s eternal testament will be plastic bags, cheap clothes and chicken bones
- Geologists think our indelible mark on the planet - 'technofossils' - will be fast food, fast fashion, and concrete
#anthropocene
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
- Geologists think our indelible mark on the planet - 'technofossils' - will be fast food, fast fashion, and concrete
#anthropocene
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
Plastic bags and chicken bones: the fossils scientists believe will become our eternal legacy
Fast fashion and drinks cans among technological-age matter most likely to endure as fossils, say scientists
www.theguardian.com
February 22, 2025 at 8:49 AM
How humanity’s eternal testament will be plastic bags, cheap clothes and chicken bones
- Geologists think our indelible mark on the planet - 'technofossils' - will be fast food, fast fashion, and concrete
#anthropocene
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...
- Geologists think our indelible mark on the planet - 'technofossils' - will be fast food, fast fashion, and concrete
#anthropocene
Story by me
www.theguardian.com/science/2025...