EcoToxicological Risk Assessment of Contaminants and climate change in Ecologically relevant areas

In line with the main scientific objectives of the extended partnership of the RETURN project, and with the new challenges posed by the objectives and priorities of the National Research Plan (PNR), this project aims to assess the environmental risks arising from human activities and their interrelation with the effects of climate change on biodiversity in areas of high ecosystem value.

Fondazione Return

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This project arises from the need to develop shared mitigation and adaptation strategies based on assessing the contamination levels of critical areas and potential ecotoxicological impacts. The goal is to optimize and implement multi-layered risk analyses for an accurate assessment of impacts on ecosystems and human health.

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT CONSIST IN?

In E-TRACE, in line with the objectives of Spoke VS4 'Environmental Degradation' (Task 2.1 Spoke VS4), a sensitive area of particular ecological interest, the Orbetello Lagoon, has been identified.

South of the Tuscan coast lies the Orbetello Lagoon, a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar Site No. 124), as well as a Special Area of Conservation (IT51A0026) and Special Protection Area (SPA IT51A0026). This fragile ecosystem is particularly affected by climate change, eutrophication, and pollution from both legacy and emerging contaminants. It is also known for the farming of various commercially significant species and holds ecological importance as a resting and nesting site for numerous migratory bird species.

METHODOLOGIES AND STRUCTURE OF WORK PACKAGES

This type of multidisciplinary approach and its related results are essential for the proper protection and preservation of the critical area identified within this project, characterized by fragile ecosystems that are particularly sensitive to the combined effects of human activities and climate change. The integration of data on contamination from microplastics, the presence of traditional and emerging contaminants, the biological responses of the bioindicator species investigated, and biodiversity indices of critical habitats through innovative methodologies (such as the use of metabarcoding) will enable the acquisition of valuable information on the resilience of these environments to ecosystem alterations linked to physical, chemical, and biological stress factors, as well as climate change. Furthermore, the final results of the project will play a key role in highlighting the close interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment as a whole, supporting the concept of "One Health".