Microplastics under the microscope: 7 bold projects

Seven innovative research projects collectively receive a subsidy of €2.1 million from ZonMw. These initiatives, united in the MOMENTUM 2.0 consortium, focus on micro- and nanoplastics. Spanning four crucial themes, the projects aim for a deeper understanding, collaborating on the knowledge agenda 'What do microplastics do in our bodies?’.

The objective of these projects is nothing less than addressing the most urgent questions regarding microplastics and the human body, aiming to provide essential knowledge and insights by 2025 for a preliminary risk analysis regarding the impact of microplastics on our health. Each project focuses on specific themes: microplastics in the environment, consumer behavior, interventions, and standardized research methods.

Microplastics in the Environment

Among the honored projects are initiatives such as the 'Food for thought' study, investigating the presence of microplastics in crops and studying their transfer through the food chain to humans. The 'MLIdent' project will focus on developing a more robust approach to more accurately measure and characterize micro- and nanoplastics in various matrices, such as blood. Additionally, the 'Micro2 corona' project explores the influence of biocorona on the absorption of microplastics in the human intestines.

Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior is addressed in the 'Microplastics and Citizens' project, where psychological factors are identified to encourage people to generate fewer microplastics. The 'FLES' project focuses on interventions, with an emphasis on measuring microplastics in breast milk and formula.

Standardized Research Methods

Lastly, 'ATHENA' and 'Py-Harmony' are working on standardized research methods. 'ATHENA' is developing a QA/QC screening tool and a data alignment tool to standardize exposure and effect data of microplastics. 'Py-Harmony' focuses on improving measurement methods for micro- and nanoplastics in various environmental compartments.

These ambitious projects collectively promise to make a fundamental contribution to understanding microplastics and their impact on health, demonstrating a commitment to minimizing future risks.

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