PlasticFree

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs) are recognized as one of the major emerging contaminants of the Anthropocene and of growing environmental and public health concern. They are persistent and fragmentable particles, ubiquitous in aquatic ecosystems, from glaciers to oceans. They have been found in the air we breathe, in the food we eat, and even in human blood, lungs and faeces. This issue raises general concerns about their effect on the environment and organisms, acting as vectors for pathogens and contaminants. Nowadays, analytical protocols for the quantification of these substances in freshwater environments are not yet standardised and relevant legislation is still under development. 

The main goal of the "PLASTICFREE: Harmful, widespread and persistent: identification and reduction of micro- and nanoplastics in freshwater ecosystems in the Province of Bolzano/Bozen" is to identify and quantify the distribution of different forms of plastics in freshwater ecosystems, focusing on different environmental compartments such as river and lake water, river sediments, rainfall, groundwater resources, drinking water, bioaccumulation in invertebrates and fish. In addition, we aim to investigate the possibility of reducing the release of this emerging pollutant from sewage treatment plants using innovative prototypes designed to increase their efficiency. These objectives will be achieved through the multidisciplinary expertise of the partnership, taking into account the interests of the population, the environment and the provincial territory.