Integrated approach to assess the levels and impact of cONtaminants of Emerging concern on BLUE health and biodiversity modulated by climate change drivers.

Project Information

ONE-BLUE

Grant agreement ID: 101134929

DOI

10.3030/101134929

EC signature date 22 November 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 30 June 2027

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 6 200 138,75

EU contribution

€ 6 200 138,75

Coordinated by

AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ONE-BLUE (Integrated approach to assess the levels and impact of cONtaminants of Emerging concern on BLUE health and biodiversity modulated by climate change drivers.)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

ONE-BLUE addresses the increasing threat from Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in marine environments, such as micro- and nanoplastics, pharmaceuticals, and plastic additives, especially under the influence of climate change. The project combines case studies in the Atlantic, Arctic, and Mediterranean Seas with advanced analytical methods, effect-based assays, and modelling to improve knowledge on CEC distribution, fate, and impacts.

Its objectives include generating new data to support risk assessments, developing innovative monitoring tools and methods (including New Approach Methodologies), and establishing predictive models and a FAIR-compliant database (CECsMarineDB). These outputs aim to support EU policies such as the WFD, MSFD, and the Zero Pollution Action Plan. Social sciences contribute through stakeholder engagement and communication strategies, ensuring that scientific results are aligned with policy and societal needs.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Significant progress has been achieved across technical work packages:

WP1: Over 800 samples collected from 253 stations across three case studies; 60% analysed. Mediterranean and Arctic campaigns completed; Atlantic campaign rescheduled. D1.1 outlines the plan for all case study areas, D1.2 presents the Harmonized Analytical Plan for the different case studies and analytical determinations, and D1.3 D1.4 and D1.5 provide an executive summary of the three case studies.

WP2: Mesocosm experiments were initiated early. Planktonic and mussel studies completed under climate-relevant scenarios. Copepod studies are ongoing. D2.2 details the selection of CEC mixtures tested.

WP3: Developing and validating several innovative tools, including a SERS-based autonomous sensor for antibiotics, an acoustophoresis chip for micro/nanoplastics, NAMs for marine toxicity, and a sea current/CECs dispersion model.

WP4: The CECsMarineDB (v1) has been launched, fully compliant with FAIR principles. It includes metadata tools, a chemical classification system, and secure access protocols, supporting data sharing and model development. D4.3 outlines the first version of the ONE-BLUE database management system.

WP5: Broad dissemination activities have been conducted, including publications, conferences, webinars, and extensive media coverage. A communication and exploitation strategy was launched in month 6. D5.11 presents the first-year e-newsletter and press releases during the first year, while D5.21 outlines the initial version of the policy recommendations and safety guidelines.

WP6: All 28 deliverables and 11 milestones completed on time. Coordination and quality assurance mechanisms are fully operational.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

ONE-BLUE has achieved and will continue to achieve multiple results that go beyond current practices:

- Real-time detection of CECs through a SERS-based autonomous sensor.

- Acoustophoresis chip for micro/nanoplastics separation from seawater.

- NAMs for marine-specific ecotoxicology, including algae-based optical biomarkers, cell-based assays, and the MicroGLO panel for antibiotic detection.

- Machine learning-based high-content screening and predictive modelling tools.

- CECsMarineDB, a comprehensive and harmonised data platform supporting long-term data integration and regulatory use.

These innovations offer improved tools for environmental assessment and policy support. Further steps required include continued validation, regulatory integration, and stakeholder engagement to enable uptake and commercialisation.

ONE-BLUE Annual Meeting, Athens

Multidisciplinary team in the Mediterranean Sampling Campaign on the Spanish coast

Presentation by the Coordinator, Marinella Farré, at ICCE 2025

North Adriatic Sampling Campaign by ONE-BLUE

Presentation of ONE-BLUE at EMRA 2025

Kick-off meeting of the ONE-BLUE project held in Barcelona