We conduct globally coordinated scientific expeditions and field research to pursue long-term investigation of small-sized microplastics (< 0.3 mm). We seek to illuminate their distribution, fate, and impacts across marine ecosystems and along pathways relevant to human health, while pioneering next-generation sampling and analytical approaches that will define future standards in microplastic research.
Switzerland
In 2021, together with students from the department of environmental systems science from ETH Zurich, we conducted a very first study in the Swiss Alps. The study aims to provide the first detailed evidence of microplastics down to 0.1 mm in the waters at 1820 m above sea level in the upper Engadine.
partner
Ligurian-tyrrhenian sea
Since 2018, we have been collecting surface water microplastic samples between Olbia-Elba-Genoa. The aim of this project is to collect data over a 10-year period, to evaluate any visible changes in the quantity and spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics found. This is the very first long-term monitoring study within the Mediterranean Sea.
​
partner
Azores
Together with Dr. Christopher Pham and his team from the University of the Azores, we are conducting research on microplastics around the island archipelago. In 2019, we did the first mapping of microplastics down to 0.3 mm between the islands of Faial and Graciosa, while the focus in 2021 was to take samples in a much bigger area and to collect microplastics down to 0.1 mm. In 2022, we focused on triplicate measurements to discuss the robustness of field data.
partner
aeolian islands
In collaboration with Dr. Teresa Romea, microplastic researcher and institute director of the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) in Messina, we are conducting expeditions around the Aeolian Islands. In 2021, we did a first mapping of microplastics down to 0.1 mm with a focus on the behaviour of microplastics from shore to offshore. In 2022, we focused on triplicate measurements to discuss the robustness of field data.
partner
cyclades-greece
In 2021, we conducted, in collaboration with the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), a very first survey along the Cyclades, an island group in the Aegean Sea. The Aegean Sea is one of the most polluted areas within the Mediterranean Sea, but more knowledge on microplastic pollution is needed to make local authorities aware of the problem.
partner
australia Whitsunday islands
In 2020, we conducted a pilot study around the Whitsunday Islands during which we collected microplastics down to 50 microns (0.05 mm). We found out that there are at least 124x times the number of microplastics in the 50 – 300 micron size class, compared with the 1 mm – 5 mm size range. In 2022, we repeated our study with a new adapted double net that allows us to give us more precise numbers in comparison to our pilot study.
partner
Florida
In 2025, we conducted the very first pilot study around the Florida Keys for one week during which we collected, for the very first time in this area, microplastics down to 50 microns (0.05 mm).
This year, we are heading back to conduct a follow-up expedition that will last this time two weeks and should give us a much better picture of the occurrence of surface microplastics, but simultaneously also act as a test for a newly designed microplastic depth sampler.
partner
