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Microplastics and nanoplastics

Harmful, diffuse and persistent:
Identification and reduction of micro- and nanoplastics in freshwater environments in the Province of Bolzano

Project duration

01/2024 - 12/2026


Total costs

1.217.937,02 €


EU Financing

971.685,82 €

Partner

Beneficiary partners

Non-beneficiary partner

Provincial Biological Laboratory

The project

The project EFRE1018-PlasticFree was submitted in the framework of the 1st Call - Priority 1 ‘Smart’ Research and Innovation, Action 1 Support for research, development and innovation projects in the areas of smart specialisation identified by RIS3 and admitted for the co-funding of the Programme ERDF 2021/2027 by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano by the Decree of the Director of the European Integration Office no. 18465/2023 of 27 October 2023.

Abstract

Micro- and nanoplastics are everywhere, from glaciers to oceans, from the air we breathe to the food we eat, they have even been detected in human blood, lungs and faeces. They are insidious, resilient, ubiquitous, fragmentable small particles that are internationally recognised as emerging pollutants. They have serious consequences for the environment and organisms and act as vectors for pathogens and contaminants. Protocols for analysing these substances are not yet standardised and reference legislation is being developed.

The overall aim of the EFRE1018-PlasticFree project is to identify and quantify the diffusion of various forms of plastics in freshwater ecosystems by considering various sectors (river and lake water and sediments, groundwater, meteoric and drinking water, bioaccumulation in invertebrates and fish), as well as to find ways to increase the abatement efficiency of this emerging pollutant through purification plants by using prototypes (analysing water entering and leaving treatment plants and sludge). It is intended to achieve these objectives thanks to the interdisciplinary expertise of the partnership by putting the interest of the population, the environment and the provincial territory first.

In particular, the work team intends to:

  • Provide an initial overview of the situation in the Province of Bolzano: there are currently no similar wide-ranging studies (covering different abiotic and biotic matrices). To date, knowledge in this area is limited, the only certainty being the widespread and conspicuous presence of plastics in the environment.

  • Analysing the presence, quantity and type of microplastics by developing suitable methodologies: at present, there are still no agreed and approved protocols for sampling microplastics. Moreover, even laboratory analysis techniques are still at an experimental stage and a comparison of various approaches and methodologies would be essential.

  • Experiment with new techniques/prototypes for wastewater purification based on case studies, looking for solutions that reduce the load of microplastics that are re-emitted into the environment (directly into the watercourse or through sludge used in agriculture).

  • Preventing and highlighting public health repercussions: water is an essential resource both as a drinking source and in agriculture. The accumulation processes of micro- and nanoplastics in the environment and in organisms are still poorly understood, but the harmful effects on their health, including human beings, are certain.

  • Raise awareness among the population and especially schools of the importance of water resources, the ecosystem services it provides, the forms of life it contains, proper waste management, and sources of pollution even those not visible to the naked eye.

  • Promoting cooperation between public bodies, research institutes and companies, on the assumption that only an intertwining of research and innovation can contribute to reducing this emerging form of pollution.

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Contacts

Lead Partner

+39 0471 068620
+39 0471 068639
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Via L. Negrelli 13, Bolzano (IT)


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