International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea in Capri

Following the conclusion of the Project LIFE13 ENV/IT/001069 – Mermaids: “Mitigation of microplastics impact caused by textile washing processes”, the Organizing and Scientific Committees are pleased to invite the scientific community and stakeholders to the “International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea” (μ MED) hosted in Capri (NA), Italy, on September 26-29th 2017.

 

The conference will focus on one specific and dangerous source of marine pollution: microplastics. In fact, even though plastic pollution is a well-known worldwide problem, the discovery of the presence of microplastics or even nanoplastics in seas and oceans represents an unexpected and alarming turn in this environmental challenge. Microplastics are defined as plastic fragments typically smaller than 5 mm, able to pass through wastewater treatments plants, accumulating on shorelines and eventually reaching marine ecosystems. There, such fragments remain unaltered, representing a serious risk not only for marine flora and fauna, but also for human health.

 

μMED conference aims to share current knowledge, identify issues and propose solutions and actions to face and mitigate this environmental threat. Click here to download the leaflet.

 

The conference will be focused on the following topics:

• Microplastics and marine environment
• Microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea
• Sources of microplastics
• Degradation of microplastics in marine environment
• Impact of microplastics on marine life
• Microplastics: from marine pollution to human food chain
• Socioeconomic impacts of microplastics
• Mitigation of microplastic impact
• Biodegradable microplastics
• Solutions and future steps

 

Important dates:

30th April, 2017	Abstract submission deadline
30th May, 2017	Notification of papers acceptance
30th June, 2017	Draft program
15th July, 2017	Early-bird registration deadline
26th September, 2017	Opening of the Conference