Project description
Profiling the incorporation of seawater lithium into marine organisms
The batteries powering the clean energy transition rely heavily on lithium – an element that will be entering the ocean in growing quantities as its use and disposal surges. Almost nothing is known about its impact on marine ecosystems, including ecological risks and biogeochemical pathways. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BESTLiME project aims to produce the first systematic dataset chronicling how lithium becomes incorporated into biominerals of corals and shellfish, organisms that play a key role in ecosystem health and the carbon cycle. Controlled laboratory experiments with cultured organisms and cutting-edge geochemical and microscopic analysis could inform ocean conservation policy and more environmentally responsible battery recycling practices.
Objective
Lithium (Li) is essential for the global energy transition, with rapidly increasing use in rechargeable batteries. As Li release into the ocean is expected to rise, its effects on marine ecosystems remain largely unknown. Limited evidence suggests Li can accumulate in lower trophic levels and be incorporated into biominerals during calcification of shells and skeletons, but the ecological risks and biogeochemical pathways of Li are poorly understood.
BESTLiME addresses these critical gaps at the interface of biology, mineralogy, and geochemistry. It pursues two main objectives: (1) to quantify Li bioaccumulation in diatoms, key primary producers at the base of marine food webs, and (2) to investigate Li incorporation into biominerals produced by corals and bivalves, organisms central to ecosystem health and carbon cycling. To achieve these goals, diatoms, bivalves, and corals will be cultured under controlled conditions with elevated Li. Fibroblast models will be used to simulate cell membranes and evaluate Li transport into cells. Li concentrations will be monitored in culturing fluids and biomass to calculate bioaccumulation. Biominerals formed during culture will be analysed with advanced electron microscopy and geochemical techniques. Two short visits to partner institutions will examine Li distribution in the biomaterials and characterize biominerals, providing complementary training and strengthen collaborations.
BESTLiME will deliver the first systematic dataset on how Li enters marine life. The findings will refine geochemical proxies, inform sustainable ocean and resource management, and guide safe recycling strategies. For the fellow, a geochemist with limited biological experience, this project offers advanced training in marine biology and biomineralization. These critical skills will help the fellow to build a strong foundation for long-term success as an independent researcher at the interface of geoscience and bioscience.
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 earth and related environmental sciences geochemistry
- natural sciences biological sciences marine biology
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry alkali metals
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy electron microscopy
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology mineralogy
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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)
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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.
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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
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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75006 Paris
France
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