The laboratory deals with investigating the issue of macro, micro, and nano plastics pollution that threatens the biodiversity of the oceans on a global scale, with a focus on the impact of plastic on Mediterranean and Antarctic marine organisms.
Specifically, the laboratory deals with 1) estimating the diffusion of microplastics in the marine environment and the consequent adverse effects on organisms (fish and invertebrates); 2) developing new extraction methods and faster identification protocols thanks to the use of new instruments; 3) studying the impact of stranded macro and microplastics on dune flora and wildlife; and finally, 4) planning and promoting mitigation actions.
The laboratory is equipped with a clean room, laminar flow hoods, stereoscopic microscope, optical microscope and inverted optical microscope, analytical and precision balances, vacuum pumps and filtration sets.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.
