Risk assessment of microplastic pollution in the marine environment requires multidisciplinary approaches and several typologies of investigations to adequately describe such a complex environmental issue. However, the combination of multiple typologies of data is often hampered by the lack of common metrics and standardized procedures for the interpretation of complex datasets of heterogeneous results. Among the projects funded by JPI Oceans, RESPONSE was aimed to develop a quantitative Weight Of Evidence (WOE) model designed to elaborate and differentially weight data from a range of lines of evidence (LOEs), including the distribution of MPs along water column and sediments, their bioavailability and bioaccumulation in key indicator species, onset of sublethal and chronic adverse effects at the cellular level, organism, and ecological functioning. Field and laboratory studies allowed to define weighting factors and ecological thresholds for specific characteristics of MPs that can modulate the ingestion and toxicity of these particles to marine organisms, including the role of size, shape and other polymer characteristics, both alone and in combination with other environmental stressors. Logical flowcharts and mathematical algorithms were validated to summarize each typology of data into specific hazard quotients before their overall integration in a WOE risk index. The development of a dedicated and software-assisted tool will represent a sound support for monitoring guidelines and policy makers ensuring both scientific reliability and easy use for stakeholders.
Primary Presenter: Francesco Regoli, Polytechnic University of Marche (f.regoli@univpm.it)
Authors:
Giuseppe d'Errico, Polytechnic University of Marche (g.derrico@staff.univpm.it)
Alessandro Nardi, Polytechnic University of Marche (a.nardi@univpm.it)
Lucia Pittura, Polytechnic University of Marche (l.pittura@univpm.it)
Carola Mazzoli, Polytechnic University of Marche (c.mazzoli@pm.univpm.it)
Melissa Orsini, Polytechnic University of Marche (m.orsini@pm.univpm.it)
Veronica Vivani, Polytechnic University of Marche (veronicavivani@gmail.com)
Stefania Gorbi, Polytechnic University of Marche (s.gorbi@univpm.it)
Maura Benedetti, Polytechnic University of Marche (m.benedetti@staff.univpm.it)
DEVELOPMENT OF A QUANTITATIVE WEIGHT-OF-EVIDENCE MODEL FOR RISK ASSESSMENT OF MICROPLASTICS POLLUTION WITHIN RESPONSE PROJECT
Category
Scientific Sessions > SS081 JPI Oceans Joint Action: Ecological Aspects of Microplastics – From Scientific Findings to Political Action
Description
Time: 09:30 AM
Date: 6/6/2023
Room: Sala Palma