Biobased & biodegradable marine nets: Environmental and health impacts due to leachates and micro- & nano-plastics – NET_IMPACT

Plastics are omnipresent in our daily life, our environment and food. To reduce their global impact, one potential solution would be to use biobased, biodegradable and recyclable materials. However, these new plastics are still emerging on the market, and the information about their chemical composition, durability, and potential impacts remains limited. This project addresses the environmental and health issues associated with the use of plastics in aquaculture, particularly in mussel farming, focusing on biobased - biodegradable alternatives that are deemed to be more sustainable and less harmful to the ecosystems The detrimental effects of these plastics, either conventional or biobased - biodegradable, used in aquaculture are linked to the type and formulation of polymers, the inappropriate disposal, and plastics degradation during their lifespan. Thus, comprehensive assessments are vital to ensure they do not pose additional risks to marine ecosystems or human health.
As part of the sustainability and sanitary quality approach, this project aims to study the environmental and sanitary impacts of using biobased - biodegradable nets compared to conventional nets in mussel farming, investigating their composition, their potential to release micro, nano-plastics, oligomers, and other harmful chemicals (additives or non-intentionally added substances), and their toxicity to mussels and consumers. The mussel nets are an ideal subject for comprehensive toxicological studies because mussels are in close contact with their nets for 12 to 18 months, allowing a precise measurement of the exposure to pollutants. Methodologically, the research will include: (i) In-depth chemical characterization of both conventional and biobased-biodegradable mussel nets to assess their composition, and the potential release of microplastics, nanoplastics, oligomers and additives from these nets in both seawater and mussels; (ii) Three complementary experimental aging studies under controlled conditions (laboratory exposure in accelerated aging chamber and mesocosm outdoor exposure) and natural conditions (field farming exposure under realistic usage conditions) to evaluate their degradation and monitor changes in substances release and to study the chemical characterization of degradation products; (iii) ecotoxicological studies, using standardized bioassays, on the effects of released particles on different mussel life stages development; and (iv) in vitro toxicological studies using human cells models to assess potential risks from seafood consumption.
The project will provide an integrated methodological framework for assessing the environmental reliability and durability of the new biobased and biodegradable plastics used in aquaculture. By addressing key knowledge gaps on the environmental and health impacts of using conventional and biobased - biodegradable plastic materials in mussel farming, the results will contribute to the development of sustainable transition of aquaculture sectors. They will help policy-makers, environmental managers and shellfish farmers to make decisions at a time when changes in practices are needed to promote a sustainable transition towards a fair and green economy and investing in environmentally-friendly technologies.