Urban ecosystems play an essential role in the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO₂) between cities and the atmosphere. Green areas, soils and vegetation can influence urban carbon fluxes, but their role is still difficult to quantify, especially in complex urban environments.
At the same time, cities are important sources of microplastic pollution. Microplastics can accumulate in urban soils and may affect soil properties, biological communities and ecosystem functioning. However, their impact on urban carbon exchange is still largely unexplored.
MICE² investigates this connection by combining atmospheric monitoring, ecological experiments, remote sensing and environmental modelling.
Research objectives
Monitor urban CO₂ fluxes
Using Eddy Covariance measurements from the UNIMORE Geophysical Observatory.
Assess microplastics in urban soils
Investigating effects on soil quality, biological communities and soil/grass respiration.
Model ecosystem carbon exchange
Using Urban-VPRM, satellite observations, meteorological data and field measurements.
Explore future scenarios
Evaluating how microplastic pollution linked to urban mobility may affect carbon fluxes.
Promote public awareness
Sharing results with students, schools, citizens and the scientific community.
Research approach
MICE² is structured around three complementary scientific approaches.
Environmental monitoring
Continuous measurements of CO₂ fluxes and meteorological variables from the Eddy Covariance tower.
Experimental ecology
Field experiments to assess the effects of microplastics on soil quality, biological communities and respiration.
Environmental modelling
Remote sensing data, atmospheric modelling and ecosystem models are combined to estimate carbon fluxes across the city.
Work Packages
MICE² is organised into six Work Packages, combining field measurements, ecological experiments, modelling activities, future scenarios, dissemination and project coordination.
Urban CO₂ fluxes by tower eddy covariance measurements
Monitoring of urban CO₂ fluxes from the Eddy Covariance tower at the UNIMORE Geophysical Observatory.
Experimental assessment of MP effect on soil/grass respiration rates and soil quality
Field experiments to evaluate how microplastics affect soil quality, biological communities and respiration.
Setup and run of the VPRM model for the pilot city
Application of Urban-VPRM to estimate photosynthesis, ecosystem respiration and net ecosystem exchange.
Analysis of alternative scenarios
Assessment of future scenarios linking airborne microplastic deposition and urban ecosystem CO₂ fluxes.
Dissemination and public engagement
Communication of project results through schools, university activities, public events and scientific outreach.
Project Management
Coordination of project activities, periodic meetings, supervision and monitoring of progress.
Expected outcomes
MICE² will produce new scientific knowledge on the relationship between microplastic pollution, soil quality and urban carbon exchange. The project will contribute to: