Partner groups
Applied Analytical Chemistry Research
Group (AChem) – Universidad de La Laguna
Our research focuses on the development
of analytical methodologies for the
determination of microplastics in
environmental and food samples as wells
as on microplastics monitoring studies. At
the same time, we are particularly
interested in the determination of persistent
and emerging contaminants adsorbed onto
microplastics, for which suitable analytical
methodologies should also be developed.
Zero Discharges Association – Zero
Discharges Association (AVC)
Zero Discharges Association is an NGO
founded by professors of the Master's Degree
in Waste Management and form the
Autonomous University of Madrid. AVC has
been working on the impact of anthropogenic
waste on the environment. We have designed
the MARNOBA platform as a data acquisition
system based on ICT and citizen science tools.
Since 2012, AVC has participated in various
forums of experts and in national and
international projects related to marine litter and
the circular economy.
Spanish Marine Litter Association (AEBAM)
The Spanish Association of Marine Litter
(AEBAM) is a state-wide NGO exclusively
dedicated to the problem of marine litter. It
was created in 2014 with the aim of
establishing an efficient associative
framework that could contribute to the
prevention and reduction of the amount and
impact of waste reaching the marine
environment. AEBAM coordinates the
International Forum on Marine Litter and
Circular Economy - MARLICE, a
collaborative international forum to develop
strategies towards a waste-free ocean.
Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology + One
Health (CBET+) - University of the Basque
Country
The main field of expertise of the group is
the development and application of early
warning cell and molecular biomarkers for
the assessment of pollution exposure and
effects, as well as the toxicity profiling of
environmental pollutants using standard
and novel toxicity tests. The group´s labs
include facilities for histology, fluorescence
and electron microscopy, image analysis,
cell fractionation and biochemistry, cell
culture and molecular biology, among
others. The group has aquaria facilities for
the development of large scale and
mesocosm experiments. The group
coordinates three Master and two Doctoral
Programmes and offers several
international postgraduate courses.
Biology and Environmental Toxicology
(GBTA-UNED)
The members of GBTA-UNED are experts
in molecular biomarkers in invertebrates,
especially insects, including the
chironomids Chrironomus riparius and
Prodiamesa olivacea, simuliids
Coelorinchus parallelus (Orthoptera) and
Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Hemiptera), and
oligochaetes (Tubifex tubifex and Eiseniella
tetraedra). Our current activities are
focused on the characterization through
molecular markers of: (i) the toxic effect of
emerging pollutants and endocrine
disruptors, (ii) the physiological response of
pest and non-pest insects to natural plant
defenses and (iii) the effect of the
Wolbachia endosymbiont to the gene
expression of C. parallelus.
Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR) -
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The Marine Ecophysiology Group of the
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has
been recognized as A+ productivity group of the
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Our
main lines of research are: (i) ecophysiology
studies of different marine organisms, (ii)
enzymatic biochemistry, (iii) marine
environment pollution, (iv) toxic microalgae and
invasive species, and (v) the effect of
microplastics and their associated contaminants
on the different levels of marine trophic chains.
The group is highly committed with the
conservation of the marine environment
biodiversity and participates in a number of
diffusion and dissemination activities.
Ecotoxicology and Marine Pollution
(ECOTOX) - Marine Research Center of the
University of Vigo (CIM-UVIGO)
ECOTOX is a research group established by
Prof. Ricardo Beiras that belongs to the
competitive reference group EZ1 – EcoCost
(Coastal Ecology) of CIM-UVIGO. The gruop
holds laboratories in the Faculty of Marine
Sciences and the Faculty of Chemistry, as well
as in the Marine Sciences Station of Toralla.
The main lines of research are (i) the evaluation
of marine pollution in coastal ecosystems; (ii)
the development of environmental standards for
the protection of marine ecosystems; and (iii)
contamination by plastics (micro-, nano-,
conventional plastics and/or bioplastics).
Marine Pollution Group - Spanish Institute of
Oceanography (IEO-CSIC)
The IEO-CSIC Marine Pollution Group has wide
experience in the use of chemical indicators
and biomarkers to assess the impact of human
activities on the marine environment. Its
members participated in several national and
international consortia aimed at studying the
impact of microplastics in the marine
environment. Since 1990, the group has been
appointed for the systematic study of Spanish
coastal pollution in agreement with OSPAR and
Barcelona conventions. Since 2010, the groups
has participated in the scientific implementation
of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in
Spain.
GREFA (Group for the Rehabilitation of Native
Fauna and its Habitat)
GREFA is a NGO that works to conserve
threatened species and ecosystems. GREFA
holds a Wild Fauna Hospital, located in Monte
del Pilar (Majadahonda, Madrid), which has
already looked after more than 60,000 animals
and is considered the largest and centre of its
kind in Europe. GREFA has become an
international reference thanks to its projects
aimed at the preservation of biodiversity,
especially concerning native threatened fauna,
by means of different actions, such as captive
breeding, the reintroduction specimens to the
wild, satellite monitoring, and nest surveillance.
Hombre y Territorio
HyT is a third sector entity focused on
conservation biology since 2003 that acts as an
intermediary between the Administration,
business and society. Founding member of the
Spanish Marine Litter Association, it develops
actions related to littering, at different levels. In
the field of microplastics, it is responsible for the
protocol of sampling and analysis of
microplastics in aquatic ecosystems in alliance
with Proyecto Libera. It performs microplastic
analysis in its laboratory, and organizes events,
workshops, training and participatory actions.
Advanced Study Institute of Madrid - IMDEA-
Water
The main activities of IMDEA-Water group are
focused on the application of membrane
technology for the concentration of micro- and
nanoplastics in environmental samples and
their removal from the effluents of wastewater
treatment plants. The group is involved in the
study of the fate and mobility of plastics in
agroecosystems by surface runoff or soil
infiltration. The researchers of IMDEA-Water
have a proven expertise in studies for the
characterization of the ecotoxicological risks
related to micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems by means of
microcosms, mesocosms and field scales.
Chemical and Environmental Engineering -
University of Alcalá
The group has experience in the detection of
microplastics in all environmental compartments
with numerous publications in this field. We also
work actively on the evaluation of the toxicity
and ecotoxicity of emerging pollutants and
mixtures, including microplastics, nanoplastics,
and synthetic nanoparticles. The members of
the group have extensive experience in
wastewater treatment and reuse technologies,
as well as in the preparation of materials and
nanomaterials for water treatment, including
membranes with different functionalities and
materials and surfaces for biocidal,
photobiocidal and photocatalytic applications.
Limnology - University of Valencia
The Limnology laboratory leaded by Dr Andreu
Rico belongs to the Limnology Research Group
of the University of Valencia. It is interested in
assessing the loads and fluxes of microplastics
in river ecosystems and coastal wetlands, as
well as in quantifying their ecotoxicological risks
for aquatic organisms. Recent studies include
the first large-scale evaluation of microplastic
pollution in the Amazon River and the study of
the presence and risks of microplastics in the
Albufera Natural Park, a protected
Mediterranean wetland.
MICRO-UPCT - Technoical University of
Cartagena
MICRO-UPCT is a research group from the
Technical University of Cartagena, Spain-
UPCT) involved in the study of microplastics in
different environments and receiving media.
The group consists of three senior researchers
and a variabla number of predoctoral and
postdoctoral students. The main activities of the
group have traditionally focused on the fate of
microplastics in wastewater treatment plants,
although other studies on the presence of
plastic contaminants in coastal and marine
sediments, personal care products, and
detergents, have also been carried out, among
others. We are now devoted to the occurrence
of microplastics in human being, mainly lower
airway and lungs.
Oceanography and Marine Litter Group
(OCEVI) - Vigo Oceanographic Center (IEO-
CSIC)
The Oceanography Group of the
Oceanographic Center of Vigo works actively
on the spatial and temporal characterization of
marine pollution by plastics, their impact on
marine ecosystems and their degradation in
natural environments. Additionally we
investigate on the variability and long-term
trends of oceanographic conditions. The work
participated in numerous national and
international projects focused on the fight
against marine litter in the Atlantic Area and on
the establishment of protocols and references
for the analysis of microplastics in marine
waters, among others.
Environmental Toxicology and Global Change
(ETGC) - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
The Environmental Toxicology and Global
Change group of the Universidad Autónoma de
Madrid has a long-lasting track record in
Environmental Biology research with emphasis
in environmental toxicology, environmental
microbiology and microbial ecology. Our current
research focuses on the presence, distribution,
environmental fate, and effect on biota and
humans of microplastics and nanoplastics.
Stakeholders
Microbial biodiversity - Center of
Astrobiology CSIC-INTA
Our research focuses on the study of
biodiversity, ecology, evolution and
molecular mechanisms of adaptation of
microorganisms and microbial populations
of environments of astrobiological interest.
The main lines of research are the
biodiversity of extreme environments
including those of astrobiological interest,
the isolation of microorganisms of
biotechnological interest and the molecular
mechanisms of adaptation and microbial
evolution.
OpenPLAS - University of Las Palmas de
Gran Canaria – Spanish Institute of
Oceanography
OpenPLAS is a group formed by two institutions
from the Canany Islands (ULPGC and IEO-
CSIC) focused on the study of marine
microplastics in the open ocean, especially in
the Atlantic region. Our research is focused on
trajectory analysis of plastic debris, not only on
the ocean surface, but also in the deep ocean.
We sampled up to 1200 meters depth and
measured the concentration of microplastics
along the water column. We are currently
studying the link between plastic fate and ocean
dynamics in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Analytical Chemistry - University of Almería
The group consists of professors and
researchers from the areas of Analytical and
Inorganic Chemistry mainly working on the
application of last generation analytical
techniques for the identification and
quantification of organic contaminants for food
quality control and environmental safety. The
main lines of research are (i) the
implementation of methods for the identification
of anthropogenic contaminants in
environmental and food samples, (ii) the
evaluation of the toxicity of contaminants, their
mixtures, and metabolites and transformation
products, (iii) the identification of active nano-
ingredients in food packaging materials, and (iv)
the fate of additives from platic products.
Partner groups
Applied Analytical Chemistry Research
Group (AChem) – Universidad de La Laguna
Our research focuses on the development
of analytical methodologies for the
determination of microplastics in
environmental and food samples as wells
as on microplastics monitoring studies. At
the same time, we are particularly
interested in the determination of persistent
and emerging contaminants adsorbed onto
microplastics, for which suitable analytical
methodologies should also be developed.
Zero Discharges Association –
(AVC)Asociación Vertidos Cero
Zero Discharges Association is an NGO
founded by professors of the Master's Degree
in Waste Management and form the
Autonomous University of Madrid. AVC has
been working on the impact of anthropogenic
waste on the environment. We have designed
the MARNOBA platform as a data acquisition
system based on ICT and citizen science tools.
Since 2012, AVC has participated in various
forums of experts and in national and
international projects related to marine litter and
the circular economy.
Asociación Española de Basuras Marinas
(AEBAM)
The Spanish Association of Marine Litter
(AEBAM) is a state-wide NGO exclusively
dedicated to the problem of marine litter. It
was created in 2014 with the aim of
establishing an efficient associative
framework that could contribute to the
prevention and reduction of the amount and
impact of waste reaching the marine
environment. AEBAM coordinates the
International Forum on Marine Litter and
Circular Economy - MARLICE, a
collaborative international forum to develop
strategies towards a waste-free ocean.
Microbial biodiversity - Center of
Astrobiology CSIC-INTA
Our research focuses on the study of
biodiversity, ecology, evolution and
molecular mechanisms of adaptation of
microorganisms and microbial populations
of environments of astrobiological interest.
The main lines of research are the
biodiversity of extreme environments
including those of astrobiological interest,
the isolation of microorganisms of
biotechnological interest and the molecular
mechanisms of adaptation and microbial
evolution.
Cell Biology in Environmental Toxicology +
One Health (CBET+) - University of the
Basque Country
The main field of expertise of the group is
the development and application of early
warning cell and molecular biomarkers for
the assessment of pollution exposure and
effects, as well as the toxicity profiling of
environmental pollutants using standard
and novel toxicity tests. The group´s labs
include facilities for histology, fluorescence
and electron microscopy, image analysis,
cell fractionation and biochemistry, cell
culture and molecular biology, among
others. The group has aquaria facilities for
the development of large scale and
mesocosm experiments. The group
coordinates three Master and two Doctoral
Programmes and offers several
international postgraduate courses.
Biology and Environmental Toxicology
(GBTA-UNED)
The members of GBTA-UNED are experts
in molecular biomarkers in invertebrates,
especially insects, including the
chironomids Chrironomus riparius and
Prodiamesa olivacea, simuliids
Coelorinchus parallelus (Orthoptera) and
Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Hemiptera), and
oligochaetes (Tubifex tubifex and Eiseniella
tetraedra). Our current activities are
focused on the characterization through
molecular markers of: (i) the toxic effect of
emerging pollutants and endocrine
disruptors, (ii) the physiological response of
pest and non-pest insects to natural plant
defenses and (iii) the effect of the
Wolbachia endosymbiont to the gene
expression of C. parallelus.
Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR) -
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The Marine Ecophysiology Group of the
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has
been recognized as A+ productivity group of the
University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Our
main lines of research are: (i) ecophysiology
studies of different marine organisms, (ii)
enzymatic biochemistry, (iii) marine
environment pollution, (iv) toxic microalgae and
invasive species, and (v) the effect of
microplastics and their associated contaminants
on the different levels of marine trophic chains.
The group is highly committed with the
conservation of the marine environment
biodiversity and participates in a number of
diffusion and dissemination activities.
Ecotoxicology and Marine Pollution
(ECOTOX) - Marine Research Center of the
University of Vigo (CIM-UVIGO)
ECOTOX is a research group established by
Prof. Ricardo Beiras that belongs to the
competitive reference group EZ1 – EcoCost
(Coastal Ecology) of CIM-UVIGO. The gruop
holds laboratories in the Faculty of Marine
Sciences and the Faculty of Chemistry, as well
as in the Marine Sciences Station of Toralla.
The main lines of research are (i) the evaluation
of marine pollution in coastal ecosystems; (ii)
the development of environmental standards for
the protection of marine ecosystems; and (iii)
contamination by plastics (micro-, nano-,
conventional plastics and/or bioplastics).
Marine Pollution Group - Spanish Institute of
Oceanography (IEO-CSIC)
The IEO-CSIC Marine Pollution Group has wide
experience in the use of chemical indicators
and biomarkers to assess the impact of human
activities on the marine environment. Its
members participated in several national and
international consortia aimed at studying the
impact of microplastics in the marine
environment. Since 1990, the group has been
appointed for the systematic study of Spanish
coastal pollution in agreement with OSPAR and
Barcelona conventions. Since 2010, the groups
has participated in the scientific implementation
of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive in
Spain.
GREFA (Group for the Rehabilitation of Native
Fauna and its Habitat)
GREFA is a NGO that works to conserve
threatened species and ecosystems. GREFA
holds a Wild Fauna Hospital, located in Monte
del Pilar (Majadahonda, Madrid), which has
already looked after more than 60,000 animals
and is considered the largest and centre of its
kind in Europe. GREFA has become an
international reference thanks to its projects
aimed at the preservation of biodiversity,
especially concerning native threatened fauna,
by means of different actions, such as captive
breeding, the reintroduction specimens to the
wild, satellite monitoring, and nest surveillance.
Hombre y Territorio
HyT is a third sector entity focused on
conservation biology since 2003 that acts as an
intermediary between the Administration,
business and society. Founding member of the
Spanish Marine Litter Association, it develops
actions related to littering, at different levels. In
the field of microplastics, it is responsible for the
protocol of sampling and analysis of
microplastics in aquatic ecosystems in alliance
with Proyecto Libera. It performs microplastic
analysis in its laboratory, and organizes events,
workshops, training and participatory actions.
Advanced Study Institute of Madrid - IMDEA-
Water
The main activities of IMDEA-Water group are
focused on the application of membrane
technology for the concentration of micro- and
nanoplastics in environmental samples and
their removal from the effluents of wastewater
treatment plants. The group is involved in the
study of the fate and mobility of plastics in
agroecosystems by surface runoff or soil
infiltration. The researchers of IMDEA-Water
have a proven expertise in studies for the
characterization of the ecotoxicological risks
related to micro- and nanoplastics in aquatic
and terrestrial ecosystems by means of
microcosms, mesocosms and field scales.
Chemical and Environmental Engineering -
University of Alcalá
The group has experience in the detection of
microplastics in all environmental compartments
with numerous publications in this field. We also
work actively on the evaluation of the toxicity
and ecotoxicity of emerging pollutants and
mixtures, including microplastics, nanoplastics,
and synthetic nanoparticles. The members of
the group have extensive experience in
wastewater treatment and reuse technologies,
as well as in the preparation of materials and
nanomaterials for water treatment, including
membranes with different functionalities and
materials and surfaces for biocidal,
photobiocidal and photocatalytic applications.
Limnology - University of Valencia
The Limnology laboratory leaded by Dr Andreu
Rico belongs to the Limnology Research Group
of the University of Valencia. It is interested in
assessing the loads and fluxes of microplastics
in river ecosystems and coastal wetlands, as
well as in quantifying their ecotoxicological risks
for aquatic organisms. Recent studies include
the first large-scale evaluation of microplastic
pollution in the Amazon River and the study of
the presence and risks of microplastics in the
Albufera Natural Park, a protected
Mediterranean wetland.
MICRO-UPCT - Technical University of
Cartagena
MICRO-UPCT is a research group from the
Technical University of Cartagena, Spain-
UPCT) involved in the study of microplastics in
different environments and receiving media.
The group consists of three senior researchers
and a variabla number of predoctoral and
postdoctoral students. The main activities of the
group have traditionally focused on the fate of
microplastics in wastewater treatment plants,
although other studies on the presence of
plastic contaminants in coastal and marine
sediments, personal care products, and
detergents, have also been carried out, among
others. We are now devoted to the occurrence
of microplastics in human being, mainly lower
airway and lungs.
Oceanography and Marine Litter Group
(OCEVI) - Vigo Oceanographic Center (IEO-
CSIC)
Environmental Toxicology and Global Change
(ETGC) - Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
The Environmental Toxicology and Global
Change group of the Universidad Autónoma de
Madrid has a long-lasting track record in
Environmental Biology research with emphasis
in environmental toxicology, environmental
microbiology and microbial ecology. Our current
research focuses on the presence, distribution,
environmental fate, and effect on biota and
humans of microplastics and nanoplastics.
Stakeholders
The Oceanography Group of the
Oceanographic Center of Vigo works actively
on the spatial and temporal characterization of
marine pollution by plastics, their impact on
marine ecosystems and their degradation in
natural environments. Additionally we
investigate on the variability and long-term
trends of oceanographic conditions. The work
participated in numerous national and
international projects focused on the fight
against marine litter in the Atlantic Area and on
the establishment of protocols and references
for the analysis of microplastics in marine
waters, among others.
OpenPLAS - University of Las Palmas de
Gran Canaria – Spanish Institute of
Oceanography
OpenPLAS is a group formed by two institutions
from the Canany Islands (ULPGC and IEO-
CSIC) focused on the study of marine
microplastics in the open ocean, especially in
the Atlantic region. Our research is focused on
trajectory analysis of plastic debris, not only on
the ocean surface, but also in the deep ocean.
We sampled up to 1200 meters depth and
measured the concentration of microplastics
along the water column. We are currently
studying the link between plastic fate and ocean
dynamics in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Analytical Chemistry - University of Almería
The group consists of professors and
researchers from the areas of Analytical and
Inorganic Chemistry mainly working on the
application of last generation analytical
techniques for the identification and
quantification of organic contaminants for food
quality control and environmental safety. The
main lines of research are (i) the
implementation of methods for the identification
of anthropogenic contaminants in
environmental and food samples, (ii) the
evaluation of the toxicity of contaminants, their
mixtures, and metabolites and transformation
products, (iii) the identification of active nano-
ingredients in food packaging materials, and (iv)
the fate of additives from platic products.
CRÉDITOS
Copyright 2022 © Design &
Development by EnviroPlaNet.
All rights reserved
CONTACTO
NAVEGACIÓN
REDES SOCIALES
