DOW
DOCUMENT OF WORK
Initial hypothesis
Coastal areas, estuaries and wetlands are natural fragile resources that contribute greatly to human health and country’s economic productivity. At present, plastics, new materials such as nanomaterials and the active ingredients of industrial and consumer products, are the main blocks of emerging pollution. These new environmental pressures that are sum to legacy contamination require measures to ensure the sustainable development and protection of the environment and human health. However, a series of gaps of information about their occurrence, fate and behaviour in the aquatic environment, and in particular in estuaries and coastal waters have been identified. There is a clear need of integrated assessment procedures that provided a new tool supporting decision making and management.
The main aim of this project is to perform an integrated study of the fate, behaviour, and the river transport of emerging organic contaminants, NMs and microplastics in estuaries, wetlands and coastal waters. The key elements of this project are the integral assessment of contamination in continental and coastal waters and the impact in coastal sea ecosystem and resources.
To carry out this goal a multidisplinary approach is required. The specific objectives of INTEGRA-COAST are:
- To assess under controlled laboratory conditions the fate and behaviour of selected groups of contaminants through biotic and abiotic degradation experiments, ecotoxicity studies and bioaccumulation and metabolomics studies
- To study the potential ecological impacts of these chemical hazards under a realistic scenario of exposure. The Ebro River, delta and Tarragona. Waters, sediments and biota will be studies
- To integrate the results from laboratory and environmental case studies to prioritize contaminants and perform risk assessments in order to measure the potential impact of these compounds in coastal, estuarine and riverine areas
- To develop guidelines for mitigation measures to be implemented at different levels, useful to stakeholders, policy-makers etc
- Effectively inform, communicate and disseminate the project outputs to the key stakeholders (particularly policy makers and producers
Specific objectives of each Subproject
SUBPROJECT 1: Assessment of emerging contaminants, micro-plastics and nanomaterials from sources to coastal environments (COAST-ASSESSMENT)
1. Coordination of the whole project INTEGRA-COAST (Damià Barceló)
2. To assess the occurrence, fate and behaviour of micro plastics, NMs and some emerging groups of pollutants from rivers to coastal areas (Marinella Farré)
3. To evaluate the ability of micro-plastics and selected NMs to be bioaccumulated in filter feeding organisms and their significance as vector for transferring pollutants, with special attention to selected emerging contaminants (Marinella Farré)
SUBPROJET 2: Study of transformation of emerging contaminants in wastewater and receiving riverine and coastal ecosystems (TRANSFORMCOAST)
1. To identify new relevant wastewater derived contaminants through suspect screening and non-target analysis with the objective of their inclusion in the risk assessment schemes. (Mira Petrovic)
2. To study biotic and abiotic transformation pathways and identify transformation products for a number of relevant, and so far not, studied emerging contaminants using experimental stream (artificial channels) facility (Mira Petrovic)
3. To study sediment/water and water/biofilm interactions in riverine/coastal ecosystems using experimental stream (artificial channels) facility (Mira Petrovic)
4. To characterize the effects of both physicochemical characteristics of pharmaceuticals and other selected emerging contaminants and local environmental parameters on their in-stream attenuation rates (Mira Petrovic)
Technologies supporting the INTEGRA-COAST development
Basically, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and electron microscopy will be used for characterization purposes. Target analysis of organic compounds will be based on the use of LC-MS and GC-MS. The study of transformation of emerging contaminants and non-target screening will be based on high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques such as LC-Orbitrap-MS. Quantification of metals will be performed by ICP-MS. Toxicity assessment will be carried out using standardized methods and organisms covering different levels of organization and development.
NTA utilises the properties of both light scattering and Brownian motion, in order to obtain particle size distributions of samples in liquid suspension. A laser beam is passed through a prism-edged flat glass within the sample chamber. The angle of incidence and refractive index of the flat glass are designed to be such that when the laser reaches the interface between the glass and the liquid sample layer above it, the beam refracts, resulting in a compressed beam with a reduced profile and high power density. The particles in suspension in the path of this beam scatter light which can be detected [65]. NTA will be used to characterize NPs and microplastics suspensions. The equipment is available at IDAEA-CSIC.
Among the electron microscopy techniques, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) will be used in characterization. Besides the imaging of the NPs, these methods can determine the aggregation, dispersion, size, structure and shape of NPs. On the other hand, SEM provides a view of particle morphology in addition to size and shape. The use of these equipments will be carried out at the facilities of ICMAB-CSIC.
For quantitative analysis the techniques of choice have been liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry due to their high sensitivity and selectivity.
ICP-OES is the technique of choice for the analysis of metals.
In table 1- the list of the analytical equipment available in each group to carry out the different studies is summarized.
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Table 1 – Available Analytical Techniques |
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PCPs |
LC-QqLIT-MS/MS, LC-QqQ-MS |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Fullerenes |
NTA, LC-APPI(−)-HRMS |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Si-NPs & Ag-NPs |
NTA, ICP-MS |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Microplastics |
UPLC-QqQ-MS |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
PFASs |
LC-QqLIT-MS/MS and LC-QqQ-MS |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Siloxanes |
GC-MS/MS |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Pesticides and EDCs |
GC-MS/MS, LC-QqQ-MS; ELISA |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Pharmaceuticals |
LC-QqLIT-MS/MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS |
ICRA |
|
TPs studies |
UHPLC-Orbitrap Velos |
ICRA |
|
Metabolomic studies |
UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS, Q-Exactive |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Bioaccumulation studies |
UHPLC-Orbitrap-MS, Q-Exactive |
IDAEA-CSIC |
|
Ecotoxicity studies |
Microtox® system, ToxAlert 100 and Incubators with lateral illumination, spectrophotometer , Microscopes |
IDAEA-CSIC |
Abbreviations: QqLIT, hybrid quadrupole-linear ion trap; QqQ, triple quadrupole
Experimental Set-up
Module 1 - FATE & EFFECTS - Laboratory studies
Artificial mesocosms and aquariums in the INTEGRA-COAST consortium:
Artificial marine mesocosms (AMM)- Facilities available at IDAEA/CSIC (Sub-project 1) The system is composed by two AMM of 450L capacity each one that permit simulation of coast environments. Different parameters (water and air Tº, aireation, water flows and wave) can be controlled. These AMM contain either stream or flora, fauna, and microbial communities transplanted into sediments, rock and water that have been imported from natural sites. Evaporative water losses are replenished daily with distilled water.
Experimental Stream Facility (artificial rivers) (ESF), a unique facility available at ICRA (Sub-Project 2) that will permit simultaneous study of biodegradation, photolysis, and adsorption /desorption processes under different situations, such as intermittent flow (drought), temperature or light fluctuations, among others. This facility is composed by 24 experimental streams of 2 m long, 10 cm wide, rectangular cross section 50 cm2 with sandy streambed and glazed ceramic tiles or rocks. The system is equipped with an automatic control system for all variables: Hydraulics: laminar to turbulent flow, 0.01 to 0.1 L/s, 2 to 50 min travel time; Chemistry: harvested rainwater, nutrients and DOC addition; Temperature: air and water temperature controlled, from 4 to 40 ºC; Operation: flow- through, recirculation or hybrid operation In addition, different variables as Tº, dissolved oxygen and light radiation) are continuously monitored by the automatic control system.
Study of biotic and abiotic transformations In ESF at ICRA under the frame of sub-project 2 abiotic and biotic studies of pharmaceuticals and selected emerging contaminants will be carried out under controlled conditions (temperature, flow, light) aimed to identify main mechanisms of in-stream attenuation (biodegradation vs. sorption vs. photolysis vs. hydrolysis). Selection of target compounds (parent compounds) will be based on several criteria: previous knowledge on the occurrence in aquatic environment (literature survey and ICRA’s own data from projects such as AquaTerra, Scarce, Globaqua), lack on information regarding environmental transformations, environmental relevance (literature data on acute and chronic toxicity of the parent compound), potential to enter the environment (high excretion rate). Fractional factorial design will be used to plan the experiments at ESF with the following factors: flow conditions with two levels: flow continuous and flow intermittency, mixture of contaminants exposure, with two levels: non-contaminants exposure and pharmaceuticals exposure; light conditions at two levels: with light or no light; and with and without sediment. Each condition will have three artificial stream replicates and experiments will be run during 3 months after initial colonisation period (at least 3 weeks). Water of artificial streams will be periodically sampled in triplicate to characterize main physical and chemical parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, DOC, and conductivity), nutrients concentrations and contaminants concentrations in water. In addition sediment and biofilm will be periodically sampled through the experiment to determine the concentration of selected emerging contaminants using LC-MS/MS methods available at ICRA. The elucidation of transformation pathways and TPs, will be done by LC-Orbitrap-MS.
Bioaccumulation studies, in sub-project 1, will be carried out with mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). For each batch of experiments, mussels sorted to ensure a uniform size distribution (shell length 5-6 cm) will be used. Prior to the experiments, the mussels will be cleaned and acclimated for 1 week. One glass tank will be used as blank and the other will be used for the exposure at potential environmental concentrations during 21 days. Mussels will be fed daily during the experiment. Due to the lipophilicity of some selected compounds, mussels will be exposed thhough the food by spiking algae, as previous described for other organic compounds. After this period organisms will be collected and tissues accumulation will be stablished by LC or GC coupled to HRMS. The following bioaccumulation studies will be performed:
· PCPs (Octocrylene, Octylmethoxycinnamate, benzophenone-derivatives, methylparaben and galaxolide)
· NMs (Ag-NPs, Silicon-NP, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes)
· Microplastics
· PFASs (PFOS and PFHxA)
· Siloxanes (Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) and decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5))
In parallel, preliminar metabolomic studies will be performed with the exposed organisms.
Toxicity tests and Trojan horse effects Sub-project 1 will attempt to study The overall interactions and synergistic and antagonistic effects between mixtures of selected NMs (Ag-NPs, Silicon-NP, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes) and emerging contaminants (PCPs (selected biocides, UV filters, fragrances and preservatives), PFASs, siloxanes and pesticides), and also microplastics and emerging contaminants (PCPs (selected biocides, UV filters, fragrances and preservatives), PFASs, siloxanes and pesticides) different standardized toxicity test will be performed.
Ecotoxicity tests will be Vibrio fischeri using the method described in the norm ISO 11348, the algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata using the procedure described in the OECD Guideline 201 and the norm ISO 8692, the micro-crustacean Daphnia using the method based on the acute immobilization and described in the OECD guideline 202, and long term toxicity using the reproduction test described in the OECD guideline 211. Tests have been selected in order to cover different degrees of organization (bacteria, algae, crustaceous) and different end-points (acute and long term toxicity). The required facilities are available at IDAEA-CSIC
Module 2- Environmental assessment: case studies.
The distribution of selected contaminants in different compartments (water, biota, sediments and soils) will be studied in two case studies.
A Sampling Committee will be created constituted by all participants. This Committee will be responsible to set-up the sampling protocol for the collection and processing of the samples, since it is expected the collection of a large number of samples from the two locations
I) Ebro river/delta/coast - Subproject 1 will lead the sample collection:
· Waters ans sediments from two WWTPs Sampling campaigns will be carried out in:
o WWTP-Sant Carles de la Ràpita, which serves about 15439 inhabitants and has tertiary treatment. The treated effluents are discharged in the Badia dels Alfacts (delta of the Ebro River) at the Mediterranean coast.
o WWTP-Amposta, which serves about 20154 inhabitants and has biological treatment. The treated effluents are discharged in the Ebro River.
· Natural samples
o Water and sediments will be collected in 20 sites along the Ebro River till de coast. 4 sampling campaigns (May, July, September and February) will be carried out during the first project year and 1 sampling campaign of selected sites during the second project year.
o Wild biota: mussels, eel and flathead mullet (Mujil cephalus) will be collected from 5 selected sites in two times (spring/summer and winter) during the second year of the project.
o Aquaculture biota 3 different batch of mussels and eels will be collected in two seasons during the second year of the project
Module 3: Environmental prospective on ecosystems health
Risk assessment: Results from the different activities will be used to develop QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationship) like models to identify the key ENP (engineered nanoparticles) characteristics driving the adverse effects and to establish the basis of risk assessment.
WP0- COORDINATION
The main objetives are
· To provide the scientific coordination of the whole consortium
· To assure the proper flow of information between the four research groups
· To assure the project progress according to the deadlines
Task 0.1 Continued supervision of the project Personnel: DB
Task 0.2 Six-month progress meeting organization Personnel: DB
Task 0.3 Preparation of annual summary reports Personnel: DB
Milestone 0.1 Continued supervision and coordination of the workflow.
Milestone 0.2 Promote the results integration and consortium collaboration.
Milestone 0.3 At month 6,12,18,24,30 and 36 internal consortium meetings organization
Milestone 0.4 At month 12, 24 and 36 preparation of summary results and contingency plans adoption if necessary.
Deliverable 0.1 Summary reports (Month 12, 24 and 36)
Module 1 – Fate and effects: laboratory studies
WP1- FATE AND EFFECTS
This activity will be devoted to study the bioaccumulation of selected PCPs, including biocides (triclosan), UV filters (benzophenones, octocrylene and octylmethoxycinnamate), preservatives (methylparaben and fragrances (galaxolide), and new emerging POPs, in molluscs and fishes. To perform metabolomic studies of the exposure to microplastics and some selected NMs (Si-NPs, based NMs and Ag-NPs) in molluscs, the evaluation of the Trojan horse effects and synergism/antagonisms between NMs and emerging contaminants by standardized toxicity tests and finally to carry out abiotic transformation studies. All these studies will be carried out under controlled laboratory conditions. Three different sub-projects are involved.
Task 1.1. Optimization of target analytical methods for microplastics, NMs and selected emerging contaminants and evaluation of platforms for non-target screening, metabolomics and unknown identification (IDAEA, ICRA)
For a number of microplastics, NMs and emerging contaminants no official adequate analysis methods are yet available and some unofficial methods are to be adapted or improved. For the assessment of bioaccumulation and biotransformation a battery of non-target screening, metabolomics and unknown compound identification platforms will be applied.
Task 1.2 Bioaccumulation studies of PCPs, microplastics and NMs and preliminary metabolomics studies. Toxicity studies synergism/antagonisms between NMs and emerging contaminants and Trojan horse effects (IDAEA, ICRA)
This task will be focused on the study of effects upon, PCPs, microplastics and NMs are bioaccumulated by filter feeding organisms, to establish if this exposition present changes at metabolism level and will establish if selected NPs and NMs can enhance or limit the uptake and bioavailability by living organisms. In parallel with this studies different standard toxicity tests including different trophic levels will be performed to assess the potential synergisms and antagonisms effects between NPs and contaminants and microplastics and contaminants as well as potential Trojan horse effects between NMs and PCPs.
Task 1.3 Bioaccumulation studies of new POPs (IDAEA) The accumulation and degradation of new emerging POPs (PFCs and siloxanes) and pesticides will be tested in Eel (Anguilla anguilla) because it is an endangered specie typical of transitional waters. The bioconcentration potential of these substances in fish will be characterized using an aqueous standard and exposure through food according to the Test No. 305 proposed for the OECD. Target analytical methods will be used to quantify the substances in water and biota and non-target screening will be used for identification of possible metabolites and degration products. Three PFCs, PFOS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorhexanoic acid (PFHxA) will be selected. Two of them, PFOS and PFOA are know to be accumulate and they have been replaced by PFHxA but there are not data available for this last one. Two methyl siloxanes D4 and D5 as well as the pesticides imazalil and pyriproxyfen will also be tested.
Task 1.4 Biotic and abiotic transformations (ICRA) An integrated approach through simultaneous study of biotic and abiotic transformation processes will be applied using the Experimental Stream Facility (artificial rivers), a unique facility available at ICRA. Simultaneous study of biodegradation, photolysis, and adsorption /desorption processes under different situations, such as intermittent flow (drought), temperature or light fluctuations, among other will include elucidation of transformation pathways and identification of transformation products (TP) for several relevant compounds and will therefore contribute to better understanding of fate and behaviour of emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment.
Milestone.1.1 At month 6, the analytical methods required to perform the subsequent studies will be optimized for selected matrices.
Milestone.1.2 At month 18 the bioaccumulation factors for the selected NPs, NMs, PCPs and microplastics will be established in mussels exposed to a range of environmental concentrations in artificial marine mesocosms.
Milestone.1.3 At month 24, preliminary metabolomics studies will be performed by comparison with non-exposed populations.
Milestone.1.4 At month 18, toxicity results (with the standardized tests based on Vibrio fischeri, Daphnia magna and Selenastrum capricornutum) and synergism and antagonisms studies between PCPs and NMs and microplastics will be reported.
Milestone.1.5 Bioaccumulation of emerging POPs in eels (Anguilla anguilla). Estimation of BCF values and their relation ships with the physic-chemical properties of the target contaminant as well as identification of possible transformation products formed in fish.
Milestone.1.6 Experimental Stream Facility at ICRA under steady, equilibrated conditions ready for experiments (Month 12)
Deliverable.1.1 Report on bioaccumulation in mussels and eels and metabolomic studies with mussels (Month 20)
Deliverable.1.2 Report on toxicity and synergistic antagonistic effects and potential Trojan horse effects between PCPs and microplastics and NMs (Month 18)
Deliverable.1.3 Report on controlling factors and mechanisms behind in-stream attenuation of selected emerging contaminants (biodegradation vs. photo degradation vs. sorption) (Month 30)
Module 2: Case studies
WP2. CASE STUDIES
The main objective of this work package is to monitor emerging contaminants, NMs and microplastics in the selected areas. The specific objectives are:
2.1. Development of an intensive sampling plan in both selected areas
2.2. Optimize detection and quantification methods of micro-plastics, NMs and biotoxins, sediment, soil and seafood species.
2.3. Extend the scope of methods for non-target screening and unknown identification.
2.4. Analyse the levels of micro-plastics, NMs and emerging contaminants in selected matrices.
The wide variety contaminants including in this WP are:
-Microplastics
-Nanomaterials: fullerenes and silicon and Ag nanoparticles
-Organic contaminants: Pharmaceuticals, PCPs, Pesticides, PFCs, Siloxanes, biotoxins and EDCs.
The target compounds foreseen are those currently considering as emerging. For separation and detection of the extracted samples, two analytical methodologies will be considered to process several samples in an accurate, sensitive, fast and cost-effective manner: a) Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; and b) Ultra performance liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Validated sample preparation will involve depending on the matrix solid-phase extraction (SPE) both on-line and off-line, turboflow chromatography, matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) in combination with Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS), as well as pressurized liquid extraction combined with SPE or with in-line clean-up.
Task 2.1. Plan for the collecting, processing and distribution of samples, and implementation of such plan (IDAEA, ICRA) A Sampling Committee will be created to manage the samples, constituted by all participants. This Committee will be responsible to set-up the sampling protocol for the collection and processing of the samples, since it is expected the collection of a large number of samples from the two locations (23 sites in each area for each sampling campaign), different seasons (four sampling campaigns during the first years in May, July, September and February and 1 extra sampling campaigned during the second year for water and 2 sampling campaign for wastewater, sediments, soil and seafood), different species (wild and farmed, plus 3 species ─Mussels, Eel and flathead mullet ─ prone to biomagnify/bio-accumulate contaminants, and representative of different trophic levels or habitats) and matrices. The robust protocol will ensure the timely sampling, proper treatment (such as filleting, freeze drying, labelling), as well as the preparation for transport. For some priority contaminants with less predictable behaviour, e.g. biotoxins, the sampling procedure and sampling plan could be more intense.
The choice of where to sample and the type of seafood, water samples or sediments will be based on a two-step approach. In the first step, species chosen for ability to accumulate the target contaminants in high levels (intrinsic effect of lifestyle) will be collected from potential hotspots with regard to the target compounds. Sediments will be collected at those places as well. Soil samples will be taken after a deep study of the possible sources of contaminants, hydrological dynamics and networks of both target areas and history of the development of human related zones. The distribution of soil sampling zones will be also according, as possible, with those of waters and sediments.
A large number of samples will be taken at several locations, different seasons and from different species, according to the sampling plan: ca. 350 water samples, 16 wastewater samples, 40 soil and sediment samples, 60 wild seafood samples and 24 farm fish samples. After treatment according to the protocol these samples will be sent to the partners.
Task 2.2. Non-target screening and unknown identification (ICRA) Objective of this task is (i) to provide methodology for suspect screening and non-target analysis of emerging contaminants that can be used to complement current monitoring programs as a support to WFD and (ii) to perform suspect screening and non-target analysis in samples of wastewater and receiving river water and sediment in order to identify relevant contaminants. This will require the application of non-target screening protocols using high resolution (HR)-MS.
Task 2.3. Analysis of microplastics, NMs and emerging contaminants (IDAEA-CSIC)
Collected samples will be analysed by LC-MS and GC-MS based techniques developed as part of Task 1.1 or already available for the research group.
Milestone 2.1 At month 30, establishment of the occurrence of microplastics, NMs and emerging pollutants in the selected areas, and assessment of their spatial and temporal trends.
Milestone 2.2 At month 26, identification of relevant compounds not included in the list of target analytes
Milestone.2.3. At month 30, verification of the distribution and fate of emerging pollutants in the coastal areas between water, sediment and seafood.
Deliverable.2.1. Elaboration of a manual for the implementation of the monitoring and screening of organic contaminants in those interested analytical laboratories (month 12)
Deliverable.2.2. Routinely establishment in the laboratories of the research groups of the analytical techniques, offering the service to external end-users interested in determining the levels of pollutants in different types of environmental samples (month 16).
Deliverable 2.3. Compilation of a list of unexpected compounds (other chemicals, metabolites or transformation products) including consideration on the occurrence and toxicity (month 24)
Deliverable.2.4. Report on the occurrence of well-recognized and emerging pollutants in water, sediment, soil and seafood (month 30).
Module 3: Environmental prospective on ecosystems health
WP 3- RISK ASSESSMENT, PRIORITIZATION OF POLLUTANTS AND SUPPORT TO REGULATIONS including health impacts proposal of mitigation measures
This work package aims to bridge the gap between scientific results and local environmental expected effects, thus translating basic scientific findings of modules 1 and 2 into practical risk assessment useful from the management point of view. To that purpose, both occurrence (monitoring) and ecotoxicity information derived from WP2 and WP1 respectively will be used as starting point. An added value of such assessment will be the elaboration of recommendations to water authorities regarding: (a) what are the most relevant compounds (prioritization) present in the water-bodies studied from the point of view of risk towards the receiving ecosystems and human health; (b) what are the main local sources (point and diffuse) of such compounds and (c) suggested possible mitigating measures.
Task 3.1 Compilation of existing data (IDAEA-CSIC, ICRA) Previous existing information concerning pollutants occurrence in the areas selected as case studies will be gathered and organized, so that a preliminary picture will be obtained. Toxicity data both environmental (EC50, NOAEL, PNEC etc.) and human (Maximum Daily Intake etc.) relative to the compounds under study will be compiled, in the former case covering different trophic levels relevant to the ecosystem under study typically daphnids, algae and fish, as recommended by the Water Framework Directive. Lacking data will be eventually estimated by means of widely used QSAR approximations (such as EPISUITE). Altogether, it will allow setting a first risk assessment estimation useful for later comparison purposes with the extended results issued from the project.
Task 3.2 Development and estimation of Risk Indexes based on project findings (IDAEA-CSIC, ICRA) Upon combination monitoring data resulting from WP2 (Case studies) and ecotoxicity information derived from WP1, new risk indexes will be proposed using as common approach the so called Toxic Units (TU, also referred to as Hazard Quotients in the literature), obtained as the ratio of a ‘measured environmental concentration’ (MEC) to a reference toxic level such as a ‘predicted no-effect concentration’ (PNEC) (typically TU =MEC/PNEC). In this way different TUs will be defined for different environmental compartments (water, sediments) and organisms, as well as, for human consumption. Special attention will be paid to the combined carrier effect of NMs and microplastics on emerging contaminants (Trojan horse effect), as well as to their individual toxicity (see WP1).
Environmental real mixtures will be treated by aggregation of constituents (Concentration addition) usually accepted as a first option approach. A set of different indexes will be generated and associated to each site. In close connection with WP4 this will allow issuing georeferenced risk maps useful for management purposes
Task 3.3 Management recommendations (IDAEA-CSIC, ICRA) This task aims at giving support to water authorities responsible of management of the water bodies used as case studies, providing adequate support to the identification of “relevant contaminants discharged in each water body” on the basis of their associated risk as required by the WFD. A combined approach of ‘emission’ and ‘immission’ will be adopted so that diffuse and point sources will be well identified. This will enable to propose both adaptive and mitigation measures to be taken into consideration in the forthcoming River Basin Management Plans and associated Programmes of Measures. Such recommendations will be transferred to water authorities using appropriate dissemination formats (see WP5).
Milestone.3.1. At month 30, environmental and human risk assessment and associated compound prioritization based on project results.
Milestone.3.2. At month 36, management recommendations and proposed mitigation measures addressed to the forthcoming River Basin Management Plans.
Deliverable.3.1. Report on previously existing data regarding occurrence and risk of pollutants in the areas under study (month 12)
Deliverable.3.2. Report on environmental and human risk assessment and associated compound prioritization based on project results (month 30)
Deliverable.3.3. Report on management recommendations and measures addressed to the forthcoming River Basin Management Plans (month 36)
WP 4 DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOTATION
General objectives of the WP are: (i) to create the critical mass of interest and to raise awareness among stakeholders, as well as the scientific community; (ii) to share the results of the project with the academic and scientific community to stimulate further research in the field; (iii) to establish relationships with the end users and authorities, and (iv) to disseminate information on the activities in the project through various media.
The results of this project will be exploited for the benefit of stakeholders, including policy makers, fishers, tourism organization, food safety authorities, farmers and consumers by improving health and safety. This WP will include the following specific activities.
1. Action point: To produce relevant scientific information about contaminants in wetlands, estuarine and other transitional and coastal waters and transfer between the environmental compartments.
User groups: Policy makers and environmental and food safety authorities. Exploitation: Publications, recommendations
2. Action point: To develop mitigation strategies to reduce environmental risks.
User groups: Environmental authorities, policy makers, industry in the areas and consumers. Exploitation: Guidelines, recommendations
3. Action point: To produce a database on contents of chemical contaminants and toxicology data.
User groups: Environmental authorities and researchers. Exploitation: Publications, recommendations.
4. Action point: To communicate, knowledge gathered in the project in a clear and practical way.
User groups: Environmental, authorities, policy makers, researchers, industry and consumers.
Task 4.1 Project web page (All partners)
Task 4.2 Development of scientific dissemination material: At least 12 articles in SCI journals (>75% in Q1) and one scientific book will be published summarizing the findings of the project. The outcomes will be presented at international conferences, such as SETAC and Pittcon. (All partners).
Task 4.3 Dissemination events: The promotion of spaces for dialogue and dissemination of the project related topics with groups including the private sector, public dependencies with environmental responsibilities and academia, among others, will be of particular interest. The conclusions, which constitute a solid basis for development and planning of strategies and methodologies aimed at the recovery and protection of the environment, shall be made public among specialists, consulting experts in pollution and environmental impact, companies involved and competent authorities (Generalitat Valenciana, MAGRAMA, Agencia Catalana del Aigua, etc.) through the organization of workshops. In the last year of the project an international 2 day conference will be organized. Representatives from national and EC funded projects, as well as other researchers in the field will be invited. All papers presented at the conference will be collected in a proceedings book and eventually, after review process, published in a special issue in a scientific journal, such as STOTEN. (All partners)
Milestone.4.1 At month 10, web site
Milestone.4.2 At month 33, conference
Deliverable.4.1 Web-Site (Month 10)
Deliverable.42 Conference (Proceedings book) (Month 33).
Deliverable.4.3 Scientific book (manuscript ready to be submitted to the Editorial) (Month 36)
Personnel: All partners
