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Diffuse riverine ecosystem pollution: from nano contamination to biological and ecological effects (BeDIFFERENCE)

Diffuse riverine ecosystem pollution: from nano contamination to biological and ecological effects (BeDIFFERENCE)
Category
Projekti Hrvatske zaklade za znanost
Total cost
199.985,00
EUR
Start date
Dec 5th 2025
End date
Dec 4th 2028
Status
Active

Principal investigator

Zrinka Dragun, dr. sc.

Zrinka.Dragun@irb.hr

The pollution from diffuse sources is the leading cause of freshwater quality impairment, with negative impact on ecosystem health and biodiversity. European regulations recommend to identify pollutants and their sources, and the sensitivity of the receiving environment. Our aim is to study the representative freshwater ecosystem impacted predominantly by diffuse pollution sources (the Mura River in Croatia), to establish the degree of water/sediment contamination with metals/organic compounds, and single out the most critical contaminants. Our further aim is to define long-term dependence of river water contamination with metals/nutrients on hydrological regime, through monthly measurements during two years (24 in total). Impacts of diffuse pollution will be monitored in freshwater organisms of different biological complexity, habitats and feeding habits (i.e., bacteria, molluscs (gastropods, bivalves), benthic/pelagic fishes). We will analyse metal bioaccumulation in selected target organs of these organisms (fish liver, gonads, muscle; digestive gland/whole soft tissue of molluscs), as well as their distribution/speciation, by assessing the nanoparticulate metals and subcellular metal partitioning, and studying metal-binding biomolecules. Biological/ecological effects of diffuse pollution in selected aquatic organisms will be established by studying molecular/biochemical biomarkers, and fish biodiversity (by morphological determination and eDNA), as a biomarker of high ecological relevance. In addition to scientific value, referring to extended knowledge on links among exposure of organisms to pollutants from diffuse sources, their bioaccumulation/distribution and biological/ecological effects, this project will also have ecological and educational importance. It will provide comprehensive information on the quality of the freshwater ecosystem protected at the national/international level, and contribute to transfer of knowledge and training of young scientists.

Diffuse riverine ecosystem pollution: from nano contamination to biological and ecological effects (BeDIFFERENCE)