We are pleased to announce the launch of MICE² – Microplastic Impact on Carbon Exchange by City Ecosystems, an interdisciplinary research project coordinated by the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE).
The project brings together researchers with expertise in environmental engineering, ecology, atmospheric sciences and environmental monitoring to investigate an emerging scientific challenge: how microplastic pollution influences the exchange of carbon dioxide (CO₂) between urban ecosystems and the atmosphere.
Although microplastics and climate change are among today’s most pressing environmental issues, their interactions remain largely unexplored. MICE² aims to bridge this knowledge gap by combining field observations, ecological experiments, remote sensing and environmental modelling.
Using the city of Modena as a pilot urban laboratory, the project will investigate how microplastics affect soil quality, ecosystem respiration and urban carbon dynamics. The research will rely on the unique scientific infrastructures available at UNIMORE, including the Geophysical Observatory, where continuous urban CO₂ fluxes are monitored through Eddy Covariance measurements, and the Botanical Garden, where ecological experiments will be carried out.
Over the next two years, MICE² will develop new datasets, improve our understanding of urban ecosystem functioning and contribute to the scientific knowledge needed to support more sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
In addition to research activities, the project places a strong emphasis on public engagement and scientific dissemination. Students, schools, citizens and the scientific community will be involved through educational initiatives, outreach events and open access dissemination of project results.
This website will follow the progress of the project, providing news, publications, datasets and information about upcoming activities.
Stay tuned as we begin this exciting journey.