Research fellow

Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn
Sicily Marine Centre
Department of Integrated Marine Ecology (EMI)
Villa Pace - C.da Porticatello 29, 98167 Messina – Italia

Tel.: +39 388 1145929
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Contatto Skype: federica.laface

Federica Laface - Google Scholar

Supervisors: dott.ssa Cristina Pedà
Appointed on project: CRIMAC

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interests

My research activity aims to investigate the impact of marine litter on the marine environment and biodiversity.
During my scientific career, I have acquired expertise in the application and setting up of methodologies for the extraction of microplastics from marine organisms and the identification of plastic polymers using techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Laser Direct Infrared Chemical Imaging (LDIR). In particular, my research activity focuses on the study of plastic ingestion by marine organisms (sea turtles, fish species of commercial interest and cephalopod molluscs) using chemical digestion and visual observation approaches.
I have collaborated with international research groups to sample and analyse biotic and abiotic matrices and to develop protocols for the extraction of microplastics from marine animal tissues. Together with my research group, we have also been testing a methodology for the detection and identification of micro-bioplastics in biota.
Currently, one of the main aims of my ongoing research activities is to test and develop new techniques for the extraction and identification of microplastics, and to investigate the physical and toxicological effects of exposure to microplastics through histological investigations and toxicity tests. In addition, taking part in several research campaigns allows me to study floating marine litter and beach litter, from sampling to characterisation.

Selected Publications

• C. Pedà, C. Rizzo, F. Laface, S. Giannarelli, P. Battaglia, T. Romeo, A. Lo Giudice 2024. First evidence of microplastic ingestion by the European grayling, Thymallus thymallus, in sub-Arctic regions: Insights on plastic pollution and preliminary risk assessment in the Teno River (Finland). Sci. Total Environ. 957, 177603. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177603)

• M. Galli, M. Baini, C. Panti., D. Giani, I. Caliani, T. Campani, M. Rosso, P. Tepsich, V. Levati, F. Laface, T. Romeo, G. Scotti, F. Galgani, M.C. Fossi 2023. Oceanographic and anthropogenic variables driving marine litter distribution in Mediterranean protected areas: Extensive field data supported by forecasting modelling. Sci. Total Environ. 166266. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166266)

• F. Laface, C. Pedà, c. Giommi, S. Scozzafava, C. Rizzo, D. Malara, S. Greco, T. Romeo 2023. A glimpse into the future: A suitable methodological approach for the detection and identification of micro-bioplastics in biota. Sci. Total Environ. 899, 165613. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165613)

• F. Laface, C. Pedà, M. Nannini, G. Cangemi, V. Sciutteri, P. Battaglia, T. Romeo 2023. May Mesopelagic Fishes Play an Important Role as Vector of Microplastics Across the Mediterranean Trophic Web? A Case of Study in the Strait of Messina. In: Cocca, M., Ambrogi, V., Avolio, R., Castaldo, R., Errico, M.E., Gentile, G. (eds) Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. ICMPMS 2022. Springer Water. Springer, Cham. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34455-8_26)

• C. D’Iglio, Dario Di Fresco, N. Spanò, M. Albano, G. Panarello, F. Laface, C. Faggio, G. Capillo, S. Savoca 2022. Occurrence of anthropogenic debris in three commercial shrimp species from south-western Ionian Sea. Biology 11, 1616. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111616)