Abstract
The project aimed to bring on the stage the hidden threat of plastic leachates (PL) as mixtures of Endocrine Disruptors (EDC). In particular it was focused on the evaluation of the PL impact on a model marine invertebrate, the bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis, utilizing an ecophysiological approach. PL in seawater obtained from conventional plastics and bio-plastics have been chemically characterized in pristine conditions, so far. Sub-lethal effects at environmentally relevant concentrations are under evaluation from the molecular to the organism level in both adults and larval stages of M. galloprovincialis, in in vitro and in vivo exposure conditions. Observed responses are related to the chemical composition of different PL, in particular to the presence of EDCs/suspected EDCs, in order to identify their mechanisms of action. Representative plastic materials of common use have been chosen to evaluate their leachates in seawater: multilayer packaging materials (biscuit packs composed of polypropylene and aluminium, and Tetrapack material composed of paper, polyethylene and aluminium), takeaway cups (made by expanded polystyrene), films for food (made by PVC). The massive use of additives also applies to bioplastics, thus bio-based (bio-PolyEthylene) and biodegradable polymers (polylactic acid-PLA) are under investigation: i.e. starch-based plastic bags and PLA food packaging. The polymeric matrix of each plastic material has been qualitatively analysed by FT-IR spectroscopy and then confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. A non-target screening analysis of potential leachable additives in plastic materials and their migration into seawater have been performed through GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy after extraction with organic solvents. The same approach will be followed in a targeted LC-MS-MS spectrometry analysis, addressed in particular to bispenols, phthalates, etc. The total content of major trace metals of each plastic item is under analysis. Investigations of the effects of various factors (temperature, UV light, salinity, microorganisms) on leaching phenomena will be soon examined. In vitro screening of effects on immune function, i.e. on mussel haemocytes have been carried out, to screen the biological activity of different mixtures. In Mytilus, the effects of emerging contaminants, including PL components, has been rapidly screened through the standard bivalve 48 h embryotoxicity assay, obtaining EC50, NOEC and LOEC values. Different PL have been tested for their effects on fertilization and early larval development at 48 h. Changes in expression of molecular components involved in early development of the neuroendocrine system and shell formation have been evaluated and related to phenotypical changes observed in larvae at 48 h. Exposures to assess a battery of 10 biochemical, physiological and histological biomarkers in mussels have been conducted to highlight detrimental effects and/or induction of defensive responses evoked in mussels by PL exposure. Ten biomarkers are under examination, including lysosome membrane stability, lysosome/cytosol ration, neutral lipid and lipofuscins, malondialdehyde, catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase activities; acethylcholinesterase activity; metallothionein content; the Stress on Stress (SoS) response, that is the capacity to survive in air, will be evaluated in control and exposed mussels.
Dettagli del progetto
Responsabile scientifico: Elena Fabbri
Strutture Unibo coinvolte:
Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche e Ambientali
Dipartimento di Chimica "Giacomo Ciamician"
Coordinatore:
Università degli Studi di GENOVA(Italy)
Contributo totale Unibo: Euro (EUR) 104.869,00
Durata del progetto in mesi: 24
Data di inizio
05/10/2023
Data di fine:
28/02/2026
