Acronym EMME
Category
Fisheries
Title Exploring the fate of Mediterranean microplastics: from distribution pathways to biological effects Programme National Programme
Instrument (FP6)
Contact Type (FP7)
Strand (Interreg)
NA
Theme (FP7)
Activity Area (FP6)
Regional Area (Interreg)
Action (COST)
NA
Specific Programme (FP7)
NA
Funding source National Coordinator Francesco Regoli Coordinator email f.regoli@univpm.it
Coordinator institution
UNIVPM - Polytechnic University of Marche (Italy)
Institutions involved
CNR-IAS - National Research Council; Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (Italy) ,
CNR-ISMAR - National Research Council; Institute of Marine Sciences (Italy) ,
UNIBO - University of Bologna (Italy) ,
uniparthenope - University of Naples Parthenope (Italy) ,
UNIPA - University of Palermo (Italy) ,
UNISI - University of Siena (Italy) ,
Start year 2020 End year 2023 Funding (€) € 1,166,732 Website NA Summary EMME gathers integrated expertise on oceanography, ecophysiology, ecotoxicology and experimental ecology, answering key research questions on fate and biological effects of Mediterranean microplastics (MPs). Modelling transport dynamics will identify possible accumulation zones, while characterization of vertical distribution of MPs in water column will optimise actual monitoring and sampling efforts. Oceanographic conditions and transfer of MPs in food webs will be linked by analysing content, typology of MPs and stable isotopes in representative marine species and the role of plastic additives as chemical tracers. Biofouling will be characterized in mesocosm conditions and tested for its effects on palatability and trophic transfer of MPs. Adsorption of chemicals and ecotoxicological effects of MPs will be measured on traditional and innovative biological models. EMME will evaluate formation of MP-rich biodeposits in sediments due to bivalve excretion, effects on macrobenthic communities and relevant ecosystem functions and services. The overall results will provide support for normative guidelines towards the MSFD objective of Good Environmental State.
Goals:
Overall, EMME is expected to answer important research questions on environmental fate and biological effects of Mediterranean MPs, providing a scientifically sound support and advise for normative and monitoring guidelines, and promoting new actions toward social education and scientifically correct behaviours. Tangible outcomes of the project include:
- a comprehensive dataset of distribution and impacts of MPs in Mediterranean marine ecosystems;
- a modelling-based tool to visualize distribution and dynamics of MPs, to assist decision-makers in coherent monitoring and mitigation actions;
- novel analytical tools for detecting MP impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems, and vulnerability indicators;
- training new scientists on MPs pollution for the emerging Blue Growth market;
- itinerant exhibition and web TV to maximize the outreach of EMME.
Keywords
Monitoring;
Impacts;
Environmental impact;
Benthic communities;
Microplastics;
Marine Region
76
Not associated to marine areas
0
Marine Region Map
