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Microplastics: morphological and genetic developmental effects in a marine invertebrate.

Project description

Increasing knowledge on the effects of microplastics on the environment

Plastic debris contamination in marine habitats is a serious concern. This is because of the severe risk to marine flora and fauna. Another factor that has been increasing environmental concern is microplastics, micro- and nanoparticles of plastics, that make up the overwhelming majority of plastic particles in the sea. What is more, it is also troubling that we have very little knowledge of the effects of microplastics on wildlife or even humans. The EU-funded project MICRODEV aims to change this. It plans to do this by researching and ascertaining the effects of microplastics on the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. Ultimately, this will provide knowledge and information for the fields of ecology, toxicology, developmental biology and aquaculture.

Objective

Plastic debris contamination is a growing environmental concern in marine habitats. Large plastic objects break-up over time to create micro- and nano- particles, collectively called microplastics (MP), which account for the overwhelming majority of plastic particles in the sea. Little is known about the impacts of MP on wildlife or humans and this presents an important research priority. Several studies have demonstrated that MP can affect sea life negatively. Amongst these, they have been reported affecting development (causing malformations, delayed growth and increased death rates). These developmental effects have never been characterised, and their molecular basis remains unknown. Developmental defects may impact population survival by decreasing the number of individuals, or their fitness, in range of marine organisms.
This pioneering project will identify the effects of MP exposure in the development of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, bridging interests for ecology, toxicology, developmental biology and aquaculture. I will characterise the developmental morphological malformations caused by MP and their underlying genetic mechanisms.
This Fellowship will provide an excellent opportunity to complement my strong background in genetics and molecular and developmental biology and expertise in ecotoxicology and microplastic pollution with transcriptomic analysis and the deep understanding of this model organism for development and toxicology under the supervision of Dr. Arnone, a world leading expert in the field. This will provide me with a firm skill set and knowledge to further my research career. The knowledge and expertise I will acquire in the Arnone lab, together with being hosted by a supportive and acclaimed institution, and the prestige of the MSCA fellowship, will allow me to open a unique and timely line of research and will be crucial for my transition into an independent European researcher.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinator

STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA ANTON DOHRN
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 183 473,28
Address
Villa Comunale
80121 Napoli
Italy

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Region
Sud Campania Napoli
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 183 473,28
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