Progetto PSR (2025) Linea 8-Sottomisura B- Dott.ssa Beatrice DE FELICE (Tutor: Prof. Parolini Marco) - Missione a Wageningen

The Project entitled “COSMO-toxiCity assesment Of PFAS and emerging-PFAS in a freshwater MicrocOsm” will be implemented by the Dr. DE FELICE Beatrice. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic compounds commonly used in a variety of products. Nowadays these substances are defined as “forever chemicals” since their high chemical-physical stability and resistance to degradation give them environmental persistence. In the last decade PFAS have been detected globally in concentrations in the ng/L - μg/L range, depending on the analyzed environmental matrix and/or substance. Due to their resistance to degradation, PFAS accumulate in ecosystems, raising ecological and health concerns. The aim of the COSMO-Project is to investigate the toxicity of legacy PFAS (like PFOA) and emerging alternatives (ADV MFS-N2, N3, M3). It focuses on understanding their impact in freshwater ecosystems through microcosm experiments that will be implemented at Wageningen University (Netherlands). Experiments will last 21 days with three concentrations and three replicates per condition, including controls. The microcosm set-up will include algae and invertebrate species representing different trophic levels, allowing a more ecologically relevant assessment. At the end of the experiment, a range of endpoints will be evaluated, covering sub-individual (e.g., biochemical markers), individual (e.g., survival and growth), and population-level (e.g., reproduction) responses. Intra- and interspecific interactions will also be examined to assess potential effects on ecosystem structure and function. The study aims to simulate realistic environmental exposure scenarios, providing data that will enhance ecological risk assessment and support the development of informed environmental regulations.