Towards a Risk-Based Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Marine Ecosystems (RESPONSE)
Plastic pollution is a global problem that requires international cooperation.
RESPONSE — Towards a Risk-Based Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Marine Ecosystems — is a European research project that is developing a model that will support the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive in monitoring marine plastic pollution. Response is funded by the Joint Programming Initiative, Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans).
About RESPONSE
The RESPONSE project brings together 14 partner institutions from across Europe with expertise in oceanography, environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, experimental ecology and modelling to answer key research questions about the fate and biological effects of microplastics and nanoplastics in marine ecosystems.
We’ll be identifying possible accumulation zones in European coastal ecosystems by studying hydrological transport dynamics; analysing the abundance and type of micro- and nanoplastics found in marine species by sampling representative marine animals; identifying how plastic particles, along with other environmental stressors, affect the health of species and food webs; and synthesising this research into a Weight of Evidence model.
Response is funded by the Joint Programming Initiative, Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans).
Our Objectives
Gain new knowledge on the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics and nanoplastics in marine ecosystems
Characterise ecological thresholds for specific characteristics of microplastics that can affect their ingestion and toxicity in marine organisms
Investigate the ecotoxicological hazard of still unexplored particles such as nanoplastics and biodegradable polymers
Provide a quantitative model for assessing the potential impact of MPs in the marine environment, considering the environmental impact of multiple stressors
Set up an analytical Smart Hub that will share innovative technologies and application expertise for analytical needs, along with contributing to methodological improvement and training
Increase public understanding of the ecological risk of microplastics and nanoplastics and increase public action.
Global plastic production reached 360 million tons in 2018. The result is that 4.8-12.7 million tons of plastic could be released annually to the marine environment.
Sources: Jambeck et al. (2015); Botterrell et al. (2019); Plastics Europe Report 2019.