Cycle/Years
39th cycle [2023-2026]
Contacts
Supervisors
Dr. Jacopo La Nasa and Prof. Francesca Modugno. External Co-supervisor: Dr. Lorenzo Palumbo Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
Title of the PhD project
Study of airborne microplastics and environmental pollutants
Abstract of the PhD project
Plastic pollution presents a significant challenge to ecosystems and human health worldwide. Improper waste management has led to a pervasive presence of plastic and plastic waste derived pollution in the environment. Plastic debris undergo degradation processes such as mechanical, chemical, photo-oxidation, and biotic degradation, resulting in the formation of small particles and fibers known as microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). MPs are defined as plastic particles ranging in size from 1 µm to 5 mm, while NPs are smaller particles, < 1 µm. MPs can be found in all types of ecosystems, from soil to aquatic systems. However, studies of microplastics and nanoplastics in the atmosphere remain limited. Due to the small size and low density (0.9-1.4 g cm-3 for most common plastics), MPs can be suspended in the atmosphere by wind or air turbulence and remain in the air for long periods. Those particles can be inhaled and cause health issues: airborne MPs and NPs can move in the thoracic region penetrating the deeper alveolar areas of the lungs and can be linked to various diseases.
The PhD project aims to develop and compare analytical methods and investigation approaches to collect data on the type and amount of airborne microplastics in open and confined environments. The target is to contribute to evaluate the impact and risks associated to airborne MPs and NPs. Environmental samples analysis will employ techniques based on analytical pyrolysis, coupled with mass spectrometry detection, facilitating qualitative and quantitative assessments of airborne MPs and NPs. The application of further analysis, such as spectroscopies and microscopies, will enhance the investigation of these environmental pollutants. The PhD project will be developed within a network of collaborations involving public institutions Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) and the Istituto Nazionale Assicurazione Infortuni sul Lavoro (INAIL). This collaboration will make it possible to study microplastic pollution not only from a chemical point of view, but also from a “one-health” perspective.
Academic Fields and Disciplines (SSD), main and secondary
CHIM01
Poster communications at conferences
• L. Barlucchi, G. Biale, J. La Nasa, M. Mattonai, S. Pezzini, A. Corti, V. Castelvetro, F. Modugno, Multianalytical characterization of bio-microplastics after accelerated aging in artificial seawater, Chemistry For the Future 2023, Pisa, Italy, 28-30 June 2023
• L. Barlucchi, G. Biale, J. La Nasa, M. Mattonai, S. Pezzini, A. Corti, V. Castelvetro, F. Modugno, Multianalytical characterization of bio-microplastics after accelerated aging in artificial seawater, AGRIFOODPLAST International Conference of Micro and Nano-Plastics in the Agri-Food Chain, Piacenza, Italy, 10-12 September 2023
Funding
PNRR ex DM 118_2023 – Public Administration PhD Scholarship
