Representatives of ALLATRA Italy participated in a science outreach event in Milan focused on the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on the environment and human health

On April 15, 2026, the Civic Aquarium and Hydrobiological Station of Milan hosted a science outreach event titled “Micro- and Nanoplastics: The State of Research and Innovative Perspectives,” dedicated to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time—the widespread presence of micro- and nanoplastics and their impact on ecosystems and human health.

The event was organized by the Microplastics Committee (Comitato Microplastiche), established in 2023. Today, the committee brings together an interdisciplinary community of researchers, scientists, and professionals, with the support of the Milan City Administration, all working to study the consequences of plastic pollution and develop practical solutions to reduce it.

The conference was opened by official representatives of the city authorities, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Telmo Pievani, a philosopher and science communicator. In his speech, “The Weight of Things: A  Brief History of Anthropogenic Mass,” he highlighted the scale of the material footprint humanity leaves on the planet and emphasized the importance of scientifically sound information in public discourse.

One of the central themes of the event was the impact of micro- and nanoplastics on human health. Professor Claudio Fenizia presented current data on the penetration of microscopic plastic particles into the human body and the possible biological consequences of this process. Professor Caterina La Porta explored the relationship between water quality, environmental conditions, and public health. Professor Edoardo Puglisi addressed the persistence of PFAS and plastic pollutants in the environment.

A separate session was dedicated to innovative solutions. Engineer Alessandro Daneu presented technologies for the extraction of micro- and nanoplastics during biomethane production, while Engineer Eligio Martini spoke about the use of biodegradable PHA materials in agriculture and industrial design.

Among the developments presented was a lamp made from an innovative type of plastic that does not release microplastics during use. The project was presented by architect Natasha Calandrino van Kleef, together with Carlo Covini, as an example of how scientific research can be translated into practical, real-world solutions for everyday life.

During the event, journalists from ALLATRA TV Italy conducted a series of interviews with conference participants and speakers. In direct conversations with experts, representatives of ALLATRA Italy presented an analytical report titled “Nanoplastics in the Biosphere: From Molecular Impact to Planetary Crisis,” which outlines a systemic understanding of the effects of micro- and nanoplastics on the biosphere and human health.

Top photo (left to right): Claudio Fenizia — Associate Professor at the University of Milan, an immunology researcher, an expert on the impact of microplastics on the immune system, and the Scientific Director and founder of the Microplastics Committee; Telmo Pievani — a philosopher of science and evolutionary biologist, Professor at the University of Padua, a science communicator, and an expert on biodiversity and the Anthropocene crisis. Bottom photo (left to right): Alessandro Daneu —an engineer specializing in energy and environmental systems, an independent expert in waste management, plastic separation technologies, and energy recovery; Dalia Benefatto — a sustainable fashion consultant and founder of Devalia, and an expert in the environmental transformation of the textile industry and the study of emerging pollutants. Interviews were conducted by Irina Bezverkhnia, a participant of ALLATRA Italy

During the interviews with the speakers, a documentary film titled “Nanoplastics:  Threat to Life,” prepared by  ALLATRA Global Research Center with contributions from scientists from various countries, was also introduced for review. The film reveals the true scale of the plastic pollution problem and its potential impact on ecosystems and human health, and demonstrates the danger these particles pose to both present and future generations.

Photo (left to right): Caterina La Porta — Professor in the Department of General Pathology at the University of Milan, head of the Oncolab research group; ranked among the top 2% of the world’s most cited scientists (according to data from Stanford University), and an expert on the impact of microplastics on human health; Nicoletta Ancona — curator of the Civic Aquarium of Milan, a natural science researcher, and an expert on the impact of microplastics on marine and terrestrial ecosystems; Natasha Calandrino van Kleef — an architect and designer, founder of NVK Design and Archimuse & Partners, as well as the initiator of the Microplastics Committee; an expert in sustainable development and a member of the Environmental Commission of Municipality 1 of the City of Milan. Interviews were conducted by Irina Bezverkhnia, a participant of ALLATRA Italy.

The conference served as a significant platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among the scientific community, environmental specialists, and developers of innovative technologies. Participants emphasized that reliable scientific information and international cooperation play a key role in identifying solutions to one of the most serious environmental challenges of the 21st century.

The ALLATRA TV team continues to cover initiatives aimed at raising public awareness of global environmental challenges and promoting a science-based approach to addressing them.

About ALLATRA

ALLATRA is an international organization with a research center in the United States (ALLATRA Global Research Center), engaged in the comprehensive analysis of climate and environmental changes, the study of the impact of micro- and nanoplastics, and the promotion of intercultural cooperation and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV likewise bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.

About  ALLATRA Global Research Center

ALLATRA Global Research Center brings together scientists, researchers, and specialists from different countries to study global challenges, including natural disasters, geodynamic changes, micro- and nanoplastics, and human rights. The Center publishes science-based analyses and recommendations for researchers, policymakers, the media, and the public.

For press inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]