Objective
Nanoplastics (NPs) are a heterogeneous class of materials formed by the fragmentation and weathering of plastics, now ubiquitous in aquatic and atmospheric compartments. Their nanoscale properties enable strong interactions with emerging contaminants (ECs) such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and PFAS, influencing transport, transformation, and toxicity. Yet current monitoring and risk assessment rarely address NP-EC dynamics under realistic environmental conditions, leaving critical knowledge gaps for ecosystem and human health protection.
The project UNFENCED- Unravelling Nanoplastics: The Fate of Emerging Contaminants and Nanoplastics Concomitance in Environmental Dynamics will develop advanced analytical workflows and mechanistic models to map how NPs drive the persistence and biological effects of ECs. Three flagship NP-EC systems will be studied: (i) aged polystyrene + carbamazepine in freshwater, (ii) aged polypropylene + diclofenac in wastewater-influenced systems, and (iii) secondary atmospheric NPs + PFAS. High-resolution mass spectrometry, cheminformatics, and photochemical modelling will be integrated with field validation campaigns, directly linking chemical fingerprints with ecotoxicological outcomes.
UNFENCED will deliver validated datasets, open protocols, and a roadmap for NP-EC risk assessment, providing tools for regulators, utilities, and industry in line with the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan and water safety regulations. Beyond science, impact will be maximized through policy briefs, an interactive open-data dashboard, and a dedicated industry workshop. Guided by supervisors Prof. Federico Bianchi and Prof. Monica Passananti at the University of Helsinki, I will acquire advanced expertise in atmospheric processes and photochemical modelling, consolidating my career as an independent researcher at the interface of environmental chemistry and regulatory innovation.
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.
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs
- engineering and technology materials engineering amorphous solids organic amorphous solids
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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-2025-PF
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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.
00014 Helsinki
Finland
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.