IMDEA Water researchers have presented their work at the MICRO2024: From macro to nano conference, held in Arrecife (Lanzarote) from September 23 to 27. The studies – developed through the Papillons and µ-Nanocare projects – focus on the transport and environmental risk of microplastics in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Paula Redondo-Hasselerharm, a postdoctoral researcher in the Aquatic Ecology and Biotechnology group, spoke about the long-term effects of conventional and biodegradable plastics on freshwater communities.

In addition, Cynthia Rieckhof Rivas, from the Soil Quality and Water in the Environment group, presented the results of her study on the mobilization of microplastics in agricultural soils. Sara Martinez Pérez explained the effect of microplastic mixtures on terrestrial invertebrates.

The objective of this international meeting is to facilitate free access to extensive emerging research; identify frontiers and challenges in the fight against plastic waste and contribute with a collaborative effort to respond to the challenge of eliminating it from planetary ecosystems.

More information:

• Papillons Project: This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement no. 101000210.
• µNanocare Project: Project RTC2019-007261-5 funded by MICIU/AEI /10.13039/501100011033.