Increasing expertise in micro- and nanoplastics analysis through twinning action

What will InPlasTwin do?

The project aims to strengthen the research and innovation capacity in Slovenia and Greece, in the field of micro-and nanoplastics (MNPs) analysis. This goal will be achieved through strategic collaboration and knowledge sharing with leading European institutions from Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, renowned for their expertise in MNPs analysis.

Long-Term Networking and Knowledge Sharing

Enhancing networking activities with project partners by sharing best practices in the investigation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment and food.

Enhancing Scientific and Innovation Capabilities

Strengthening the scientific and innovation capabilities of project partners through collaborative efforts in the investigation of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in the environment and food.

Improving Research Profile and Competency

Advancing the research profile of project partners and their staff, while also developing management and administrative skills, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and ethical practices.

Increasing Social Impact and Awareness

Improving the reputation of institutions in Widening countries, enhancing the social impact of research, and raising awareness of MNPs among various target groups.

Strawberry Cultivation:

Grow hydroponic strawberries using MNPs from mulching film degradation or metal-doped MNPs as controls.

Impact Assessment:

Analyse the uptake of MNPs in strawberry and their effects on strawberry yield and quality attributes (e.g. fruit mass, colour, sugar content).

Knowledge Validation:

Enhance the scientific and innovation capabilities of project partners and share the results with stakeholders such as strawberry producers.

Technologies

Generation of MNPs in agriculture

The generation of MNPs from biodegradable mulching films will be studied under real conditions to develop a protocol for ‘model’ MNPs for future experiments.

Extraction of MNPs from complex samples

Sample preparation protocols for extracting MNPs from environmental samples (e.g., soil, water) and food samples (e.g. strawberries) will be established.

Quantification, identification, and characterisation of MNPs

The knowledge of analytical techniques for the detection of MNPs will be enhanced, including spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry techniques.

Uptake and impact of MNPs on crop cultivation and quality

The uptake of MNPs and plastic additives in strawberries from mulching films will be studied in lab and field experiments, along with their impact on yield and fruit quality.

Analysis of organic and inorganic plastic additives in MNPs

The release of toxic additives from MNPs will be investigated using mass spectrometry-based techniques, with additional leaching and migration tests.

The InPlasTwin project aims to strengthen the research capacity of the JSI and AUA in micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) analysis through collaboration with leading European institutions such as VITO, IMR, and DTU. This partnership provides access to advanced equipment, training, and knowledge sharing, enabling JSI and AUA to excel in MNP analysis in the environment and food, strengthen their management and administrative capacities, and promote ethical research practices. The collaboration with FSH will further expand their research impact and reputation and raise awareness of plastic pollution in the agri-food sector, contributing to a better understanding of MNPs formation in agriculture and their impact on the environment and food.

Increasing expertise in micro- and nanoplastics analysis through twinning action

What will InPlasTwin do?

Long-Term Networking and Knowledge Sharing

Enhancing Scientific and Innovation Capabilities