Project description
Advancing microplastic detection in marine ecosystems
Microplastic pollution is an increasing concern for both ecosystems and human health. In recent years, significant attention has been given to the ingestion of microplastics and their effects on living organisms. However, there remains a need to improve sample-analysis methodologies. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PlaSeatic project will develop a method for quantifying and characterising micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) ingested by aquatic organisms. This approach seeks to improve upon traditional techniques by minimising cross-contamination, lowering detection limits, and preserving the biological context of the particles. The project will focus on copepods, which are critical components of marine food webs. The findings will contribute to efforts to promote ocean health.
Objective
Microplastic pollution is an issue of increasing concern for the ecosystems and human health. In the last decade, microplastic ingestion and impact in biota has received significant attention. Despite the extensive research conducted, there is still need for improvements in the methodologies used for sample analysis. PlaSeatic aims to provide a new methodology for quantification and characterization of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) ingested by organisms in aquatic systems. This method seeks to surpass traditional techniques by reducing the risk of cross-contamination, lowering the size detection limits, preventing alterations and plastic loss while retaining the biological context of the particles.
PlaSeatic will focus on copepods, which play a critical role in marine food webs and global geochemical cycles. However, with some adaptations, this methodology could be applied to other organisms or even human tissues. Additionally, this improved methodology could be implemented by other research groups, thereby, increasing homogeneity and accuracy in microplastic research— an urgent need recognized by the scientific community in this field.
To achieve the objectives of the project, PlaSeatic rely on the synergy between my expertise in the assessment of ingestion and impact of microplastics in marine food webs and the extensive expertise on chemical engineering, microscopy and spectroscopy of the host (Prof. Roeffaers). This will be further supported by Dr. Pedrotti (supervisor in secondment), whose vast knowledge on plastic pollution and access to historical plankton samples will be invaluable to the project.
PlaSeatic will raise public awareness about the impact of plastic pollution. Scientifically, it will enhance our understanding of MNP ingestion, bioaccumulation and impacts of MNPs in zooplankton. It thereby will contribute to the development of biomonitoring and mitigation strategies, and inform policy decisions aimed at ensuring the health of the oceans.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences environmental sciences pollution
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3000 LEUVEN
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.