MED-HEALTHAssessing the Impact of the Triple Planetary Crisis in Mediterranean Coastal Areas from a One Health Perspective
MED-HEALTH is a coordinated research project that investigates the occurrence and impacts of contaminants and microbes of emerging concern in Mediterranean coastal environments under current and future climate change scenarios.
The Mediterranean Sea is increasingly exposed to the interconnected challenges of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, collectively known as the Triple Planetary Crisis. These pressures threaten marine ecosystems, food security, fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity and human health.
Using a One Health approach, MED-HEALTH explores the links between environmental, animal and human health through the integration of environmental chemistry, microbiology, marine ecology and ecotoxicology.
Our aim
The project aims to generate scientific evidence to support environmental protection, food safety, climate resilience and evidence-based policymaking for Mediterranean coastal regions.
A One Health Approach
Using a One Health approach, MED-HEALTH explores the links between environmental, animal and human health through the integration of environmental chemistry, microbiology, marine ecology and ecotoxicology.
Environmental Health
One of the three interconnected domains of the One Health framework, covering ecosystems, water quality and coastal habitats.
Animal Health
Another core domain of the One Health framework, covering marine organisms and biodiversity.
Human Health
The third domain of the One Health framework, covering food safety and human wellbeing.
Two complementary subprojects
MED-HEALTH is organised as two complementary research subprojects.
MED-CHEM
Assessing the levels of organic contaminants of emerging concern in coastal areas and key marine organisms.
Learn more about MED-CHEM →MED-BIO
Assessing the impact of organic contaminants of emerging concern on key marine organisms.
Learn more about MED-BIO →Working Together
By combining expertise in analytical chemistry, marine microbiology, ecotoxicology and environmental assessment, MED-HEALTH provides an integrated understanding of how contaminants, antimicrobial resistance and climate change affect Mediterranean coastal ecosystems and their implications for human health under a One Health perspective.
Study Areas
MED-HEALTH conducts field studies in three representative Mediterranean coastal regions that differ in environmental characteristics and anthropogenic pressures.
Baix Empordà
A coastal region characterised by tourism activities, protected marine environments, small wastewater treatment plants, harbours and river inputs. This area represents a relatively low-to-moderate anthropogenic pressure scenario.
Barcelona Coast
A highly urbanised and industrialised coastal area influenced by wastewater discharges, major port activities, intensive tourism and river inputs from the Besòs and Llobregat rivers.
Ebro Delta
A highly productive coastal environment combining wetlands, fisheries, aquaculture activities and riverine inputs. This area offers a unique setting to assess environmental pressures affecting marine biodiversity and seafood production.
What MED-HEALTH aims to achieve
MED-HEALTH aims to improve our understanding of the combined effects of pollution and climate change on Mediterranean coastal ecosystems under a One Health framework.
Seasonal & extreme-event monitoring
Study seasonal and extreme-event variations in contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), marine biotoxins, microbial diversity, organic matter, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes in Mediterranean coastal waters and sediments.
Seafood safety
Assess the accumulation of contaminants in commercial marine species and evaluate implications for seafood safety, human exposure and organism health.
Combined stressor experiments
Investigate the combined effects of contaminants and climate change stressors on marine microorganisms, copepods and aquaculture species through controlled microcosm experiments.
Open, FAIR data
Develop an open-access database and contribute to European Research Infrastructures through FAIR data management principles.
Dissemination & policy links
Disseminate project results, promote knowledge transfer and strengthen links with scientific, policy and stakeholder communities.
Follow the project
Discover the latest updates, publications and events from the MED-HEALTH consortium.
Go to News →
