cOMeta project
Research on organic matter as a regulator of the bioavailability and behavior of metals in coastal areas in a global change scenario.
cOMeta project: Organic matter as a driver of bioavailability and behaviour of trace metals (Fe, Co, Cu, Pb) in coastal areas under a global change scenario. Dates: 01/09/2023 to 31/08/2026.
Ref: PID2022-139975OB-I00 financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, UE
The objectives of COMETA are to evaluate the role of organic matter in the transport of dissolved and particulate metals in the Ría de Vigo, and its influence on the speciation of metals and their bioavailability to phytoplankton. It will mainly focus on the study of essential metals (iron, cobalt, and copper), which are necessary for phytoplankton growth, and toxic metals (lead and copper – the latter being both essential and toxic, depending on its concentration), which can have harmful effects on these organisms.
The results of this project will help to better understand the biogeochemistry of metals, their concentrations and distribution throughout the Ría, and the mechanisms by which they are internalised by organisms and cause toxicity or be used as nutrients, thereby contributing to enhance our knowledge on ecological processes relevant to the productivity of the Ría.
