Stop Plastics in H2O!
This project will analyse for the first time the origin and dynamics of microplastics in the ports of the Programme. In addition to the plastics floating on the sea surface, the study will deal with the fibres found in the water column and seabed. The research will provide data on some still unexplored aspects, such as understanding the dynamics of microplastics and studying the influx and quantitative incidence of the various sources of microplastics from dry land to sea and their distribution at various depths in densely populated and active areas. The data will provide additional elements to understand better how, when and where to intervene to reduce the impact of this growing pollution of the marine environment; this will benefit the international community while accounting for current and possible future national and EU regulations. A small pumping device, a trash skimmer, will collect samples at various depths and sediments from the bottom. The samples will be analysed for a quantitative and qualitative definition of the debris and the development of a model that can reveal the distribution and concentration of microplastics in different points of the port area. An analysis will be carried out on mullets, which fish are particularly numerous in ports, to evaluate the biological impact of these fibres. The project will analyse the best numerical model to study microplastics dynamics. This study will be combined with a climatological study to predict the trajectories of plastic debris scattered at sea. The project will disseminate information on the topic and research among the entire population of the interested areas (and not only), with multimedia tools, public initiatives and the direct involvement of economic actors and residents.