PAPILLONS (DCM.AD006.382)

Thematic area

Chemical sciences and materials technology

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials (IPCB)

Project manager

PIERFRANCESCO CERRUTI
Phone number: 0818675214
Email: cerruti@ipcb.cnr.it

Abstract

PAPILLONS will elucidate ecological and socioeconomic sustainability of agricultural plastics (APs) in relation to releases and impacts of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in European soils. We will advance knowledge on sources, behaviour and impacts through cross-disciplinary research, bringing together scientists from chemistry, materials engineering, agronomy, soil ecology, toxicology and social sciences. We will transform the scientific knowledge generated into guidance on specific solutions by applying a Multi-actor approach, involving actors in the agricultural and policy sector and world-leading industries. This will enable co-creation of knowledge and provide the scientific background to enable policy, agricultural and industrial innovation towards sustainable farm production systems.

Goals

PAPILLONS partners pioneered soil MNP research, host the majority of European analytical capacity for assessing soil contamination and will provide validated, high-throughput analysis for MNPs in soil. Using innovative applications of state-of-the-art analytical chemistry, we will advance analysis down to the nanoscale range and develop novel radiolabelled nanoplastics for accurately tracking behaviour and transport in soil and uptake by biota and crops.

Start date of activity

01/06/2021

Keywords

Plastics, agriculture, sustainability

Last update: 24/08/2025