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

Descrizione del progetto

Approfondire la conoscenza degli effetti delle microplastiche sull’ambiente

La contaminazione degli habitat marini causata da detriti di plastica costituisce una problematica seria, a causa del grave pericolo che rappresenta per la flora e la fauna acquatiche. Un’altra fonte di crescenti preoccupazioni ambientali consiste nelle microplastiche, microparticelle e nanoparticelle di plastica, che compongono la stragrande maggioranza delle particelle sparse in mare. È inoltre allarmante la scarsa conoscenza in merito all’impatto delle microplastiche sulla fauna selvatica e sugli esseri umani. Il progetto MICRODEV, finanziato dall’UE, intende cambiare la situazione. A tale scopo, intende studiare e verificare gli effetti delle microplastiche sul riccio di mare Paracentrotus lividus. In definitiva, questa indagine fornirà conoscenze e informazioni preziose per vari ambiti, quali ecologia, tossicologia, biologia dello sviluppo e acquacoltura.

Obiettivo

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.

Campo scientifico (EuroSciVoc)

Parole chiave

Programma(i)

Argomento(i)

Meccanismo di finanziamento

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

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Invito a presentare proposte

(si apre in una nuova finestra) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019

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Coordinatore

STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA ANTON DOHRN
Contributo netto dell'UE
€ 183 473,28
Costo totale
€ 183 473,28