Alice Gonella

I am a PhD candidate in Veterinary Science at the University of Padua, Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science. I obtained a Master’s degree in Animal Biotechnology in 2021 from the University of Bologna. My research focuses on the impact and potential toxicity of persistent organic pollutants, particularly perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), on marine mammals. Cetaceans, as large marine mammals, are not only species that require protection and conservation but also as key environmental indicators, often referred to as "sentinels of the sea" for the Mediterranean and the oceans. Due to their constant exposure to PFAS and phthalates, they accumulate these chemical pollutants in various tissues, making them excellent bioindicators of environmental contamination.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a large group of industrial chemicals that pose a significant threat to wildlife and marine ecosystems. My research focuses on cetacean cell line models, which offer a novel approach to assessing the toxic effects of both organic and inorganic contaminants commonly found in marine ecosystems. These in vitro models allow for the ethical evaluation of water pollutants on living marine mammal cells. Furthermore, the biological responses observed in these models can provide valuable insights into both the levels and effects of POPs in aquatic environments.
My motivation to make change for the Ocean stems from my strong commitment to marine conservation and my research on the impact of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), particularly PFAS, on marine mammals.