MONACŒCOART® Interviews: Matteo Galli, PhD at Biomarker Lab, UNISI, Italy.
- M Abti
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
Dr Matteo Galli, post-doctoral fellow within the Biomarker and Plastic Busters Laboratories within the Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, at the University of Siena (Italy).
🗣️ An inspiring journey in Plastic Busters MPAs project to detect micro and macro plastic pollution in the heart of the Mediterranean protected areas.
BIOGRAPHY
Matteo Galli is a post-doctoral fellow within the Biomarker and Plastic Busters Laboratories under the supervision of Professor Maria Cristina Fossi at the Department of Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena (Italy). The lab plays a central position for research on the ecotoxicology of marine and terrestrial environments and marine litter and microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea as well as in the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive - MSFD - at the national level (Descriptors 8 and 10).
Dr Galli has carried out a master’s degree in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Sustainability at the University of Siena (Italy), working on the evaluation of plastic presence in the gastrointestinal tracts of different commercial fish species, turtles, and marine mammals in the context of Descriptor No. 10 of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. In 2002, he was assigned a PhD in Environmental, Geological, and Polar Sciences and Technologies by the University of Siena, with a dissertation focused on the assessment of the abundance and impacts of marine litter in the Mediterranean environment and organisms as part of the Plastic Busters MPAs Interreg Med Project.
He has recently focused his research on the evaluation of plastic additives impacts and effects in several biological matrices through the Gas Chromatography - Mass-Spectrometry technique. In this context, he has been a visiting fellow at the Instituto de Investigación Marina (INMAR) (Cadiz, Spain), collaborating with Professor Andrés Cozar Cabañas in 2017, collecting and processing samples of micro- and macro plastics from different ecosystems (surface waters, beaches, and seafloor) while analysing data on marine plastic pollution. In collaboration with his supervisors, he coordinated and revised eleven master’s degree theses and he is the author of 27 scientific papers published in high-ranking scientific journals.
In June 2025, he was awarded, within the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, the Pelagos Thesis Award 2025 with a thesis entitled : "Development, harmonising and application of innovative methodologies for the study of the presence and effects of marine litter on organisms in Mediterranean marine protected areas within the Plastic Busters MPAs project".
MONACŒCOART® had the pleasure to interview Dr Matteo Galli exclusively to better understand the spirit that animates his professional Research & Development activity, tightly linked to ocean conservation.
ℹ️ To know more about Dipartimento di Scienze Fisiche, della Terra e dell'Ambiente, please visit the DSFTA Official Website.
🔸KEY TOPICS = 🗣️ RESEARCH STUDY: DESCRIPTION >> 🗣️ PLASTIC LITTER ACCULATION: ORIGINS >> 🗣️ SIZE OF CHEMICAL LITTER >> 🗣️ POLLUTANT RISKS >> 🗣️ STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT >> 🗣️ ADDED VALUE AND FUTURE PLANS
🎙INTERVIEW
MONACŒCOART®: Dr Matteo Galli, please briefly introduce your Research Study and its main objectives?
🗣️ Matteo Galli : Sure, with pleasure! I am pleased to be part of a compelling team based at the University of Siena – UNISI – fully engaged in carrying out coordinated and advanced scientific activities aimed at conserving biodiversity and safeguarding marine ecosystems, both coastal and pelagic (open sea).
This is part of Plastic Busters MPAs project, funded by the Interreg MED Programme, whose purpose is to monitor and assess the impacts of marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea with the aim to develop the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme – the so-called IMAP Indicators (UNEP/MAP) – and the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive - MSFD.
Our mission is to tackle plastic pollution through an integrated approach, with reference to two geographical areas:
the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals, officially classified as a SPAMI – Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance.
the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
The core target is to design and test an innovative multi-level experimental framework made to measure both marine environments in order to meet their oceanographic and ecological needs. Data collection is crucial to detect the abundance, the distribution and the composition of macro and micro litter, through a hotspot map able to highlight the most affected areas. We were then in the position to identify the major anthropogenic (= derived from human activities) and oceanographic drivers, closely linked to the distribution of marine litter. Notably, the proximity to ports, coastlines, and river mouths. The outcome underpinned spatial risk assessments for marine litter while setting foundation to implement effective mitigation and protection strategies in reference Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas.
MONACŒCOART®: Where do the plastic pollutants in your research area come from, and how do they end up there? Are there specific plastic "sinks" or accumulation spots?
🗣️ Matteo Galli : Based on the study I work for, plastic pollutants originate mainly from land-based sources and maritime activities. The areas in which human activity is concentrated are those where the greatest accumulations of pollutants are. I refer to the Port of Livorno, one of the largest in Italy, with intense commercial and tourist traffic, and the Port of Genoa, particularly strategic at a commercial and touristic level. Riverine discharges are significant as well. On one hand, Arno and Serchio rivers passes through densely populated urban areas, agricultural lands, and industrial zones. On the other hand, the Magra, Tevere, and Ombrone rivers carry a significant number of human-made debris, depending on the season. Last but not least, Coastal activities, including aquaculture and fishing operations close to La Spezia (Far East Ligurian Riviera), highly contribute to release both macro- and micro litter into the marine environment.
The above-mentioned human impacts resulted as the main drivers of plastic accumulation in the Pelagos Sanctuary protected area. The findings pointed out how pollutants are easily transported by currents, winds, and local hydrodynamics, encouraging their accumulation in nearshore waters (= within 10–15 nautical miles from the coast). Furthermore, the continental shelf (= 0–200 m depth) serves as both first accumulation area and transition zone for buoyant litter, which is subsequently transported into submarine canyons which act as long-term sinks.
This domino effect eastern concentrates in specific marine hotspots, notably: Western Ligurian slope, Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Capraia and Gorgona islands) and northeastern Corsica. On the contrary, offshore bathyal areas are less affected.
MONACŒCOART®: What average size has the chemical detected within the 273 monitoring transects of floating litter?
🗣️ Matteo Galli: Based on the exam of 2,169 items, the concentration of marine litter is placed between 0 and 3,974 items/km2, with an average range of 399 ± 486 items/km2. So far, this data refers to the highest amount of floating macro litter recorded in the study area. With reference to macro plastics, the trend could worsen within the Pelagos Sanctuary. According to the observation of 90% of the transects (245/273), 99% of litter and artificial polymer material measures less than 20 cm and it is characterised by a light-coloured palette (> 80%), with a size class range between 2.5 and 5 cm, in most cases. As for smaller particles, most findings were classified as secondary MPs fragments and films, measuring between 1 mm and 2.5 mm, mainly composed of PE (polietilene) and PP (polipropilene).
MONACŒCOART®: What are the concrete risks both for biodiversity and human health, resulting from the examination of a sample of in-situ species?
🗣️ Matteo Galli : Unfortunately, the presence of plastic particles and related potential chemical impact are effective throughout the whole trophic chain. This circumstance represents a high risk for most species which populate the Pelagos Sanctuary protected area, menacing their conservation and highlighting the urgent need to improve monitoring actions. The filter-feeding organisms are particularly prone to plastic ingestion. Let’s think about the Mitylus galloprovincialis (invertebrate), the elasmobranch Mobula mobular (elasmobranch), and the Balaenoptera physalus (cetacean).
Moreover, seabirds showed the highest concentration of plastic particles, being mainly affected by secondary ingestion of contaminated prey, as well as odontocete species (= cetaceans that possess teeth) like the Tursiops truncatus. Finally, sea turtles (C. caretta) increasingly ingest macro plastics as they often mistake floating litter for their natural prey, like jellyfish.
MONACŒCOART®: Does the research study intend to be carried out by research bodies, public administrations or other institutions?
🗣️ Matteo Galli : Since 2013, the Plastic Busters project has fostered external collaborations, favouring at least fifteen partnerships, some ratified, others in progress. The core mission is to strengthen climate change adaptation among Mediterranean coastal communities by reinforcing ecosystem resilience and the sustainable management of marine resources. The research findings directly support the implementation of key descriptors under the umbrella of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP), representing also a solid base for the management of local marine protected areas.
Photos >> Dr Matteo Galli while carrying out in-situ scientific research actions within the Plastic Busters MPAs project © UNISI DSFTA
MONACŒCOART®: What added value has your PhD research brought to your knowledge? Do you intend to continue in the sector?
🗣️ Matteo Galli: On a personal level, joining the Plastic Busters MPAs project as a PhD researcher represented a fundamental step in my educational career by developing that critical thinking necessary to rigorous scientific research. I could then develop a systematic approach to address diverse problems while establishing essential collaborative relationships for both professional and personal growth. Interacting with scientists on a global scale has greatly enriched my skills, since my professional aspirations align consistently with my daily research activities. In fact, I am fully committed to further advance my knowledge and contribute to the protection and enhancement of our most valuable heritage: our Planet. I am determined to continue my work in this field, being convinced that expanding our collective understanding and safeguarding of marine environments is crucial to advance sustainable development and environmental stewardship. ***
✒️ Maurice Abbati
Strategic Communication Specialist, Editor in Chief, Journalist, Executive.
Lecturer and Author in English in the field of Environmental Communication to foster Circular and Blue Economy.
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