SPECIAL SESSION #13
Measuring microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the livestock sector
ORGANIZED BY
Sonia Tassone
Sonia Tassone
University of Turin - Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences
ABSTRACT
The significant use of plastics in livestock farming is causing severe problems. Plastic waste generates micro and nanoplastics, which, once absorbed by animals, are transferred through tissues and products into the human food chain, posing risks to health and the ecosystem. A critical aspect of this issue involves quantifying micro and nanoplastics in various matrices within the livestock sector (e.g., feed, tissues, animal cells, products, etc.). The distinct characteristics and structural complexity of the multiple matrices in this field necessitate the development of specific methodologies. Therefore, determining the chemical nature of these contaminants and quantifying them represents a crucial task and the foundation for research in the field of micro and nanoplastics contamination in the livestock sector.
This session aims to discuss the urgent need for comprehensive studies on micro and nanoplastics within livestock systems, emphasizing the importance of developing standardized methods for their detection and quantification. By addressing these challenges, we can better understand the implications of plastic contamination for animal health and food safety, paving the way for effective mitigation strategies in the livestock industry.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER
SONIA TASSONE
Researcher in Animal Nutrition AGR/18.
Researcher since 2006 at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Sciences (DISAFA) at the University of Turin. Degree in Agronomy Science and Technologies and PhD in Animal Science at the University of Turin. She works on animal nutrition (ruminant and monogastric); in vitro digestibility, feed analysis, use of by-products in animal nutrition for a sustainable and ethical production, microplastics in animal nutrition. Author/co-author of more than 120 scientific papers. Her teaching activity include the course of “Animal Nutrition” and “Analyses and evaluations of animal feeds” at the DISAFA – UNITO.
