There are an estimated 380,000 plant species on Earth. Plants sustain life – we depend on them for 80 percent of our food and 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe.
Plant diseases are primarily influenced by human activity, which destroys biodiversity and contributes to climate change. This, in turn, facilitates the spread of invasive pest species, threatening the delicate web of life that sustains our planet.
Approximately 40% of plant crops die each year due to the spread of invasive pest species and diseases. This has a significant impact on global economic losses in the agricultural sector, amounting to approximately USD 220 billion annually.
In response, the use of pesticides may increase, which harms pollinators, natural pest enemies, and organisms crucial for a healthy environment. Moreover, this exacerbates environmental degradation, affecting soil, sediment, and water quality.
Protecting plant health through environmentally friendly practices is essential for maintaining a healthy environment.
Nymphe’s actions will enhance the ecological quality and health of soils and waters by removing multiple pollutants, including pesticides, from agricultural soil. To demonstrate the effectiveness of bioremediation, Nymphe will conduct research at four deeply contaminated sites across Europe, as well as one site designed for testing bioengineered biologics under controlled conditions.
One of these sites is agricultural soil contaminated with microplastics, pesticides, and microbial-based pesticides used in organic farming. CHQ will collaborate with regional producers to identify areas for the ex-situ bioremediation of microplastics and pesticides. Samples will be collected, analyzed for microplastics and pesticides, and and subsequently distributed to other partners for further research.
Source:
Opmerkingen