Curriculum: Animal and Human Biology, and Ecology

Supervisor: Alessandro Cau

Co-Supervisor: Antonio Pusceddu

Curriculum Vitae

Lorenzo graduated from the University of Cagliari with a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 2021. During his undergraduate studies, he developed a strong interest in environmental sciences, particularly the spread and impact of microplastics in marine ecosystems. His BSc thesis focused on microplastic contamination in remote environments.
He then enrolled in the master’s programme in Marine Bio-Ecology at the University of Cagliari, where he investigated the effects of microplastics on marine fauna. Specifically, he studied the accidental ingestion of microplastics by ecologically and commercially important deep-sea decapod species, including Aristaeus antennatus, Nephrops norvegicus, Aristaeomorpha foliacea, and Parapenaeus longirostris. As part of this work, Lorenzo also joined the SEAAq Research Group at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) within the REGAT project. He graduated with honours in 2023, under the supervision of Prof. Alessandro Cau and Prof. Ester Carreras-Colom.
In 2023, he rejoined Prof. Alessandro Cau’s research team as a research fellow within the MEMBRANE project, focusing on the biogeochemical effects of microplastics on carbon cycling processes in benthic ecosystems.
Lorenzo is currently a PhD candidate in the Life, Environmental and Drug Sciences programme at the University of Cagliari, under the supervision of Prof. Alessandro Cau. His research, carried out within the HEASY and MICROBEEF projects, focuses on the responses of benthic biogeochemistry and microbial communities to plastic contamination. He also participates in Corallium rubrum monitoring activities, contributing to the conservation of this sensitive and commercially valuable coral species.

Research Topic

Impacts of microplastic pollution on the functioning of marine benthic ecosystems

Abstract

Lorenzo Chiacchio's PhD project is focused on the study of microplastics in marine sediments, an environmental issue of growing concern. These contaminants represent a significant and increasing threat to marine ecosystems, particularly to the benthos, where their effects are still poorly understood.

The primary aim of this project is to thoroughly analyze the impact of microplastics on the benthic ecosystem functioning. Special attention will be given to the interactions of microplastics with biogeochemical processes occurring in the sediments, which are crucial for ecosystem health, and with sedimentary microbial communities.

To achieve these objectives, the project will utilize mesocosm experiments, a controlled approach designed to simulate representative environmental conditions. Through these experiments, a careful evaluation will be conducted regarding the specific dynamics associated with microplastic contamination, their direct effects on sedimentary biogeochemistry, and the overall impact on benthic ecosystem functioning.

The anticipated results from this research are to provide new and crucial evidence on the complex mechanisms through which microplastics influence benthic dynamics. This study aims to significantly contribute to the development and improvement of monitoring and management strategies for plastic contamination in the seas, which are essential for the conservation and sustainability of marine environments.

Publications

LINK IRIS: https://iris.unica.it/cris/rp/rp88277

LINK ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7489-3477

Conference Contributions

> 2024
Chiacchio L., Cau A., Soler-Membrives A., Follesa M.C., Carreras-Colom E. (2024)  Microplastics ingestion by deep-sea decapod crustaceans from the Western Mediterranean MICRO 2024 International Conference – Plastic pollution from macro to nano

Redón-Morte M.A., Chiacchio L., Cau A., Rodríguez-Romeu O., Soler-Membrives A., Carreras-Colom E. (2024) Monitoring plastics in the Mediterranean Sea with an emerging commercial species, the deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longistroris) MICRO 2024 International Conference – Plastic pollution from macro to nano