CNR-MABIK

Are changes in biodiversity driven by PFAS contamination? A multi-approach analysis

Poly- and Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent and mobile emerging contaminants increasingly detected in aquatic environments worldwide. Despite growing concern, the ecological consequences of PFAS contamination – particularly those associated with new-generation compounds – remain poorly understood.

This project aims to investigate the relationship between PFAS contamination and biodiversity changes in coastal marine ecosystems through an integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Chemical characterization of PFASs in water and sediment will be performed using HPLC-MS/MS, while biodiversity responses will be assessed through the combined use of traditional taxonomy of meiofaunal communities and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding.

Comparative investigations will be conducted at coastal sites in Italy and South Korea characterized by different levels of anthropogenic pressure. By integrating chemical and biological datasets, the project will clarify how PFAS exposure may influence community structure and species diversity.

The results will advance methodological frameworks for biodiversity monitoring, improve understanding of PFAS ecological impacts, and strengthen international collaboration between CNR and MABIK.

PARTNERS

Referent:

Sarah Pizzini

Researcher

Ancona

SCOPRI DI PIÙ

Duration: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026

Budget: 40.000,00 €

Budget IRBIM: 40.000,00 €

Areas of Research:

TEAM
Andrea Miccoli

Researcher

Ancona

Massimiliano Pinat

Technologist

Ancona

Sarah Pizzini

Researcher

Ancona

Claudio Vasapollo

Researcher

Ancona

Research Projects



Research Projects

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.

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