TULIP News 009

In the Lazio Region near Fiumicino, efforts to combat plastic pollution are gaining momentum through innovative barrier systems. Since 2019, these barriers have successfully intercepted over 10 tons of waste, much of which is repurposed into street furniture. While this is a significant achievement in waste management, another major challenge remains: the environmental and public health impact of plastic pollution.

This is where the EU-funded TULIP project comes in. Led by the University of Heidelberg, with Stefania Marcheggiani and the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) as key consortium partners conducting research in Italy, the project is conducting groundbreaking research on the interconnections between plastic pollution, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate change along the river near Fiumicino.

Investigating the Environmental and Health Risks

Stefania and her team are studying how microplastics in waterways can serve as carriers for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, posing a potential risk to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. Through advanced water sampling techniques and microbiological analysis, the team is tracking the spread of AMR genes within polluted environments, shedding light on the role that plastic waste plays in this global health crisis.

Linking Science to Solutions

Beyond research, the TULIP project aims to inform policy decisions and community actions. By identifying critical contamination hotspots and developing evidence-based recommendations, Stefania’s work contributes to shaping better waste management strategies and public health policies at both the local and European levels.

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