Arctic Station Dirigibile Italia

unfreezing the thREat: surVival and dispErsion of microbiAL pathogens and antibiotic resistance in a warming Arctic (REVEAL)

Call year: 2026 Status: active IADC_id: 822

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The REVEAL project integrates oceanography and microbiology to investigate the sources and dynamics of antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic bacteria, as well as their genes, within the glacial and fjord system of north-western Svalbard. Global warming, whether due to natural variability or human influence, is profoundly affecting ecosystems in ways that are not yet fully understood. A major unknown is how glacier retreat influences bacterial biodiversity, including potentially pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.

In line with activities conducted within the HIBERNATE pilot project (April 2025), REVEAL aims to extend preliminary observations on the spread of ARB and bacterial pathogens. Samples (ice, snow, seawater) will be collected at five sites on glaciers facing or near Kongsfjorden, and at two marine stations in the fjord, in front of two meltwater release sites.
Additionally, the novel aspect of the REVEAL project will be the investigation of the role of microplastics (MPs) as vectors for antibiotic-resistant and pathogenic microbial species.

To achieve our goals, we will collect and analyse ice, snow, and marine samples to assess the occurrence of free and MP-transported pathogens and ARB in the selected marine-terminating glaciers and in the fjord, define the oceanographic profile at marine stations, quantify and classify the plastics in all samples.

The project is included in the list of those funded by the SIOS ACCESS CALL 2025.

RIS project 12803

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Project information

unfreezing the thREat: surVival and dispErsion of microbiAL pathogens and antibiotic resistance in a warming Arctic (REVEAL)