Biomonitoring of biodegradable micro and nanoplastics: from the environment to humans in a one health perspective
The Campania Region is the leader of the project "Biomonitoring of biodegradable micro and nanoplastics: from the environment to humans in a one health perspective" (Acronym BioPlast4Safe). The Project is financed by the National Plan for Complementary Investments (PNC) of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), as part of Investment 1.4 dedicated to the promotion and financing of applied research with multidisciplinary approaches in specific areas of health-care intervention environment-climate.
The Partnership, in addition to the Campania Region as leader, sees the involvement of five research bodies of national and international fame (Higher Institute of Health - ISS, Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research - ISPRA, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn - SZN, National Research Centre - CNR and University of Naples Federico II - UNINA), as well as the Lazio and Emilia-Romagna Regions, legally represented by the ARPA Lazio Agency and the Hospital University of Parma.
BioPlast4Safe promotes the study of the characteristics, fate and potential toxicological and ecotoxicological effects of plastics, with a specific focus on biodegradable polymers as a potential strategy for mitigating plastic pollution. The overall objective is to improve the quality, scope and efficiency of risk assessment for human and environmental health in relation to products deriving from the plastic industry, with the potential for environmental and human health impact assessment.
The strong multidisciplinary of the skills envisaged by the Project aims at promotion, development and support actions for applied research and European and national policies and regulations on the production, trade and regulation of plastics as well as on the monitoring of their possible impacts on human health and environment, pursuing the "from science to action" logic.
Starting from 18 January 2023, in which the kick-off meeting of the project took place, the Campania Region has demonstrated an ability to involve multiple operational units on the national territory, a strengthening of funding intended for the geographical areas of Southern Italy, an enhancement of training and recruitment activities through the activation of 5 PhD scholarships at the University of Naples Federico II.