PLASTI(MI)TOX: Understanding the Hidden Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life

Plastic pollution has become one of the most urgent environmental challenges affecting marine ecosystems worldwide. While the visible accumulation of plastics in oceans and coastal regions continues to grow, the invisible biochemical impacts of plastic-derived compounds on marine organisms remain insufficiently understood.

Supported by the FAM Foundation, the PLASTI(MI)TOX project, developed by CIVG – Centro de Investigação Vasco da Gama in collaboration with Brazilian research partners, seeks to investigate how plastic pollutants affect fishery resources, aquatic organisms and ecosystem health.

Led by Ana Varela and an interdisciplinary team of researchers in marine biology, biochemistry and aquatic ecology, the project combines innovative laboratory methodologies with environmental toxicology to better understand the biological effects of emerging plastic contaminants.

Addressing an Emerging Marine Pollution Challenge

Microplastics and plastic-derived compounds are increasingly present in marine ecosystems, creating growing concerns for biodiversity, fisheries and human health. Despite global awareness of marine plastic pollution, important scientific gaps remain regarding the cellular and physiological effects of these pollutants on aquatic organisms.

PLASTI(MI)TOX focuses on evaluating how compounds commonly associated with plastics — including phthalates and Bisphenol A — interact with cellular structures and biological systems in marine organisms.

By studying these mechanisms, the project aims to generate scientific knowledge capable of supporting environmental monitoring, ecosystem protection and future public policies related to marine pollution.

Investigating Cellular Bioenergetics and Toxicity

A central innovation of the project lies in its focus on mitochondria — the cellular organelles responsible for energy production and regulation of several critical biological processes.

Researchers are developing experimental protocols to evaluate how plastic-derived compounds affect mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, calcium signaling and membrane stability. The project combines in vitro assays using isolated mitochondria with in vivo models based on zebrafish larvae toxicity tests.

This integrated scientific approach enables researchers to assess the biochemical and physiological effects of pollutants across multiple biological levels, contributing to a deeper understanding of the impacts of plastics on aquatic organisms and fishery resources.

Supporting Marine Health and Environmental Policies

Beyond laboratory research, the project contributes to broader environmental and societal objectives. By generating robust scientific evidence on the effects of plastic pollution, PLASTI(MI)TOX aims to support more sustainable environmental management strategies and the implementation of legislation related to emerging pollutants.

The project also reinforces the importance of marine ecosystem protection and highlights the connection between ocean health, fisheries sustainability and human well-being.

Expected outputs include scientific publications, participation in international conferences, student training and the strengthening of international scientific collaboration between Portugal and Brazil.

Science for Ocean Protection

For the FAM Foundation, supporting PLASTI(MI)TOX reflects a commitment to science-driven projects that address critical environmental challenges with direct implications for marine ecosystems and public health.

By combining marine science, toxicology and environmental innovation, PLASTI(MI)TOX helps advance the knowledge needed to protect aquatic ecosystems and support healthier oceans for future generations.

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Aligned with SDG 14 – Life Below Water, the initiative demonstrates how advanced scientific research can contribute to understanding and mitigating the growing impacts of marine pollution.