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19-10-2023

Project on micro and nanoplastics in the Mediterranean wins the call for Grants to Research projects from the IRBio

In reference to the call for Grants for IRBio Research projects for the year 2023, the resolution of the call has been published by AGAUR. The winning application is: 

  

Tiny troublemakers: revealing the impact of micro and nanoPLASTICS on  
Mediterranean CORal (PLASTICOR) 
  
IP1: Núria Viladrich 
IP2: Odei Garcia Garin 

The PLASTICOR project directed by Núria Viladrich and Odei Garcia Garin is based on the idea that limited attention has been given to the transgenerational impacts of micro- and nano-plastic pollution on coral reproduction. Similarly, not enough attention has been devoted to the transgenerational impacts of these contaminants on coral reproduction and their interactions with energy allocation processes. Furthermore, existing studies have predominantly focused on tropical corals, thereby restricting our comprehension of the global ecologi-cal and toxicological consequences of micro- and nano-plastic pollution.  

To address these knowledge gaps, the PLASTICOR project aims to investigate the ecotoxicological implications of micro- and nano-plas-tics on Mediterranean gorgonians, with a specific emphasis on their feeding behavior, energy allocation, and transgenerational effects. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, the PLASTICOR project will evaluate the assimilation of energy sources through feeding rates and behavior, as well as the allocation of these resources to basal metabolism, growth, and reproduction.  

Notably, the study will replicate the composition and concentration conditions of micro- and nano-plastics observed in the field to provide realistic predictions regarding their effects. Additionally, the project will compare the responses of the mixotrophic spe-cies Eunicella singularis with the heterotrophic species Paramuricea clavata to explore the relationship between trophic plasticity and resilience capacity.  

The PLASTICOR project is expected to significantly contribute to our understanding of the ecological implications associated with micro- and nano-plastic pollution. The findings derived from this project will serve as a crucial tool for projecting future ecological trends in response to anthropogenic impacts and will play a pivotal role in ensuring the preservation of Mediterra-nean coral populations. 

Congratulations Núria and Odei!