Objective
As a consequence of the increasing production of nanomaterials and subsequent release, there is increasing concern about their possible side effects in the environment. Due to their small size, nanoparticles (NPs) are more reactive than related non-nano materials and thus new biological effects may be expected. Metal NPs are being detected in the environment, and observations on uptake and adverse effects in organisms have already been described in the literature. Little data however, exist on the effects of NPs in soil.
This study deals with the toxicity of metal NPs to soil-dwelling organisms with the aim of linking their fate and effects in terrestrial ecosystems. The work will be based on case studies with ZnO and Ag NPs, representing different fate kinetics.
Toxicity tests will be performed to evaluate the effect of ZnO and Ag NPs on the earthworm Eisenia andrei and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, using different soil types (e.g. ranges of properties influencing metal binding capacity) and different ageing conditions. Measurement of toxicokinetics and exposure will help to unravel the main routes of uptake of metal NPs in these organisms. A full characterization of properties, fate and behaviour of metal NPs in soil will be essential to properly link exposure and effects.
For that purpose, the training programme will put great emphasis on gaining and expanding knowledge on the fate of metal NPs in soil and uptake in organisms. This will require training in new techniques for detecting and characterizing metal NPs in different matrices, including soil, pore water and biological tissues. Metal speciation modelling will be learned to enable linking NP fate to bioavailability and toxic effects. Training will also include learning new ecotoxicological methods and modelling biological effects to address how NPs cause their effect on tissues. This training will be obtained through the host institution and its contacts.
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 biological sciences ecology ecosystems
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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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.
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.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
SN2 1EU SWINDON WILTSHIRE
United Kingdom
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.