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Biotic and abiotic aging of true-to-life microplastics
Biotic and abiotic aging of true-to-life microplastics
Over the past months, our work has focused on the production and environmental ageing of true-to-life microplastics (MPs) to better reflect real-world contamination scenarios.
Production of environmentally relevant true-to-life microplastics
We successfully produced polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) microplastics using a ball milling approach, allowing us to obtain irregularly shaped particles that closely resemble secondary MPs found in natural environments.
Abiotic aging
To simulate environmental weathering, MPs were exposed to controlled UV irradiation, promoting surface oxidation and the formation of functional groups representative of naturally aged plastics.
Biotic aging
In collaboration with the research group of Prof. Gabriela Kalčíková (University of Ljubljana), MPs are being weathering in natural stream water to investigate biologically mediated ageing processes. This step is crucial to understand how microbial communities and natural organic matter influence MP surface properties and their interaction with co-contaminants.
By integrating mechanical fragmentation with both abiotic and biotic ageing processes, we are moving closer to reproducing the complexity of real environmental conditions—an essential step for assessing the interaction between MPs and PFAS and their combined effects on plant systems.
A special thank you to Gabriela Kalčíková, Ula Rozman, Barbara Klun and the entire research group for their warm welcome, availability, and the valuable time spent together in Ljubljana. Scientific collaboration truly grows through shared expertise, open discussion, and mutual support.
February 2026
Kick-off meeting - 9th July, 2025 - Brescia, Italy
Kick-off meeting - 9th July, 2025 - Brescia, Italy
The kick-off meeting of di ECHO project fostered insightful discussions on the broader environmental relevance of microplastics, emphasizing the importance of real-world context in scientific research. Participants shared perspectives on the presence and impact of MPs across diverse environmental settings—underscoring the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to tackle these emerging contaminants. We would like to acknowledge our Speakers: Prof. Dr. Gabriela Kalčikova, Dr. Serena Ducoli, Dr. Leilei Zhang, and Dr. Sonia Tassone.
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