Planktastic investigates how microplastics affect plankton — the microscopic organisms that underpin all life in the ocean — using a novel combination of field ecology and autonomous detection technology.
PLANKTASTIC aims to develop a new approach to assess the biological and ecological impacts of microplastics on marine plankton. To achieve this, an open-access database, an autonomous in situ detection system using multispectral imaging and machine learning, and ecological assessment methodologies will be developed. The results will subsequently be integrated into a tool to support the monitoring and environmental management of plastic pollution.
Understanding and quantifying the ecological impacts of microplastics on plankton communities and marine ecosystem functioning across estuarine and coastal environments.
Discover our objectives →Six interconnected work packages linking field ecological monitoring, an autonomous in-situ detection system, and ecological and biological impact assessments.
Explore our methods →Field sampling campaigns, milestone achievements, stakeholder workshops and dissemination events — follow Planktastic's progress from launch to final framework.
Follow our progress →Collaborate, ask questions, or subscribe to our mailing list for updates on microplastics research, new datasets and project milestones.
Contact the team →Planktastic officially launched with a kick-off meeting bringing together the CIIMAR and INESC TEC teams.
Read more →Seasonal sampling begins at the Douro and Lima estuaries, collecting the first plankton and microplastics samples.
Read more →Environmental managers, fisheries experts and NGOs gathered for Planktastic's first stakeholder workshop.
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