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Paula Sobral – Biologist, PhD in Environmental Sciences, Associate Professor w/ Habilitation of Environmental Sciences at NOVA School of Science and Technology, researcher at MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre working on marine litter and microplastics sources and sinks and the effects of microplastics contamination on marine organisms. She has coordinated and participated in various research projects on microplastics since 2008 and published several papers in international journals and collaborated with other universities about the issues of marine litter and microplastics Designated expert on microplastics for the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT), she has collaborated with the Portuguese Environmental Agency and other government bodies onto the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (descriptor 10 – marine litter), worked as member of UN GESAMP– Group of Experts on the Scientific aspects of Marine Pollution and integrates the pool of experts of the United Nations 2nd World Ocean Assessment. Founder of the Portuguese Marine Litter Association – APLM, an engagement platform for awareness and co-responsibility, she develops science communication activities about marine litter and microplastics.
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Identification

Personal identification

Full name
Paula Sobral

Citation names

  • Sobral, Paula

Author identifiers

Ciência ID
7318-775D-F813
ORCID iD
0000-0003-0834-6789
Researcher Id
E-7187-2013
Scopus Author Id
6701696214

Telephones

Telephone
  • 212948550 Ext.: 10106 (Professional)

Addresses

  • DCEA FCT-NOVA Campus da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Almada, Portugal (Professional)

Websites

Knowledge fields

  • Natural sciences - Earth and Environmental Sciences - Environmental Sciences

Languages

Language Speaking Reading Writing Listening Peer-review
Portuguese (Mother tongue)
English Advanced (C1) Proficiency (C2) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1)
French Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1)
Spanish; Castilian Intermediate (B1) Advanced (C1) Intermediate (B1) Advanced (C1) Advanced (C1)
Education
Degree Classification
2020/05 - 2020/05
Concluded
 Ciências do Ambiente (Habilitation (Aggregation Title))
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
1995/07/18
Concluded
 Ciências do Ambiente (Doctorate)
Major in Ciências do Ambiente
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
"Ecophysiology of Ruditapes decussatus" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
1987/07/05
Concluded
 Provas de Aptidão e Capacidade Científica (Master's Degree)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
"Ecotoxicologia e ensaios biológicos" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
1979/04/02
Concluded
 Biologia (Licenciate Degree)
Major in Investigação
Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal
"Zooplankton do Estuário do Tejo" (THESIS/DISSERTATION)
Affiliation

Science

Category
Host institution		 Employer
2012/01/01 - Current Researcher (Research) Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Teaching in Higher Education

Category
Host institution		 Employer
2018/05/05 - Current Associate Professor (University Teacher) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal
1995/11/09 - 2018/05/06 Assistant Professor (University Teacher) Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente, Portugal
(...)
1987/05/06 - 1995/11/08 Assistant (University Teacher) Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
Projects

Grant

Designation Funders
2026 - 2027 KIDS - Knowledge on Infant Diet Safety: Impact of Micro(nano)plastics and Contaminants in Packaged Baby Food on Human Health
2024.13426.PEX
Researcher
Ongoing
2023/10/01 - 2025/09/30 Agri-Plast: Organization of Production and Innovation for the Reduction of Agricultural Plastics
PRR-C05-i03-I-000167
Researcher
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal
 INSTITUTO DE FINANCIAMENTO DA AGRICULTURA E PESCAS (IFAP, I.P.)
Ongoing
2016/01 - 2019/06 PLASTOX - Direct and indirect ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics on marine organisms
JPIOCEANS/003/2016
Researcher
Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente - FCT NOVA, Portugal

Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2016/01 - 2019/03 BASEMAN - Defining the baselines and standards for microplastics analyses in European waters
JPIOCEANS/001/2016
JPIOCEANS/0001/2015
Researcher
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2015/09/13 - 2016/03/12 Distribution and impacts of microplasics across ecosystems - coral reefs
SFRH/BSAB/113789/2015
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2012/06 - 2015/05 MARLISCO - MARine Litter in European Seas: Social AwarenesS and CO-Responsibility
289042
Researcher
Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
 European Commission
2007/01 - 2009/12 WEIGHT OF EVIDENCE (WOE) APPROACHES FOR SEDIMENT RISK ASSESSMENT: SADO ESTUARY CASE STUDY II
Provided by PTCRIS: 82492
POCI/AMB/57821/2004
Provided by PTCRIS: 57821
Researcher
Instituto do Mar, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P.

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2001 - 2005 BIOFLOW - Flume Facility Co-operation Network for Biological Benthic Boundary Layer Research
EVR1-2001-00021
Researcher
Instituto do Mar, Portugal
 European Commission
Concluded
2004/01/07 - 2004/07/06 IMPACTO DA MACROFAUNA NA ESTABILIDADE DO SEDIMENTO E NA MODIFICAÇÃO DOS FLUXOS DE MATERIAIS NA INTERFACE ÁGUA - SEDIMENTO EM MEIOS ESTUARINOS
SFRH/BSAB/369/2003
Plymouth Marine Laboratory, United Kingdom
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded

Contract

Designation Funders
2019/01/01 - Current MARE - Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente
UID/MAR/04292/2019
Researcher
FCiênciasID Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2021/01/01 - 2025/12/31 Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network
LA/P/0069/2020
10.54499/LA/P/0069/2020
Universidade de Évora, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

FCiênciasID Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências, Portugal

Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas Sociais e da Vida, Portugal

Universidade do Minho Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental, Portugal

Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal

Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Universidade do Algarve, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal

Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Centro de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2021/01/01 - 2025/12/31 ARNET - Aquatic Research Network
LA/P/0069/2020
10.54499/LA/P/0069/2020
Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente ULisboa, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas Sociais e da Vida, Portugal

Universidade do Minho Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental, Portugal

Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal

Universidade do Algarve, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Universidade do Minho, Portugal

FCiênciasID Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências, Portugal

Universidade de Évora, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2021/01/01 - 2025/12/31 ARNET - Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network
LA/P/0069/2020
10.54499/LA/P/0069/2020
Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente ULisboa, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas Sociais e da Vida, Portugal

Universidade do Minho Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental, Portugal

Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal

Universidade do Algarve, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Universidade do Minho, Portugal

FCiênciasID Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências, Portugal

Universidade de Évora, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2021/03/28 - 2024/12/31 PLASTISENSOR - Lab-on-a-chip for in-situ aquatic microplastics identification and quantification by infrared cytometry
PTDC/EAM-OCE/6797/2020
Researcher
Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Universidade do Minho Centro de Sistemas Microeletromecânicos, Portugal

Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente - FCT NOVA, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2023/02/01 - 2024/07/31 Effects of Microplastics on Mercury's Biogeochemical Cycle
2022.04580.PTDC
Researcher
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2020/09/01 - 2023/12/31 iPLASTIC - Dispersion and impacts of micro- and nano-plastics in the tropical and temperate oceans: from regional land-ocean interface to the open ocean
MICROPLAST/0003/2018
Principal investigator
Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente - FCT NOVA, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2019/01/08 - 2023/01/31 CAPonLITTER - Capitalising good coastal practices and improving policies to prevent marine litter
PGI06172
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
 Interreg Europe
Concluded
2020/06/01 - 2022/05/31 PLASTISPHERE - Understanding microplastic biota composition and dynamics along the coasts of Israel and Portugal – –
PT-IL/0001/2019
Principal investigator
Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2018/10 - 2021/10 US4LITTER - Low-cost Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) for marine litter coastal mapping.
PTDC/EAM-REM/30324/2017
Researcher
Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal
 Ministério da Ciência Tecnologia e Ensino Superior
Concluded
2018/10 - 2021/09 RIVERSEA - Land-based sources of marine litter and microplastics. Evaluation and modelling of the input from rivers and estuaries and implementation of prevention and reduction strategies at the source
PTDC/EAM-AMB/30726/2017
Principal investigator
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente - FCT NOVA, Portugal

Associação do Instituto Superior Técnico para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento, Portugal
 Ministério da Ciência Tecnologia e Ensino Superior

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2018/01 - 2020/12 OceanWISE - Reducing EPS marine litter in the North East Atlantic
EAPA 252/2016
Researcher
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
 European Regional Development Fund
Ongoing
2016/01/01 - 2019/06/30 Eco-toxicological effects of microplastic - impact on marine organisms
JPIOCEANS/0003/2015
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2010/08/24 - 2014/02/23 Microplastics and persistent pollutants - a double threat to marine life (POIZON)
info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/FCT/3599-PPCDT/102677/PT
PTDC/MAR/102677/2008
Principal investigator
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal

Pólo de Inovação em Engenharia de Polímeros, Portugal

Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2011/01/01 - 2013/12/31 Strategic Project - UI 284 - 2011-2012
PEst-C/MAR/UI0284/2011
Universidade de Évora, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Universidade do Algarve, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2006/02/01 - 2008/07/31 Effects of bioturbation on the erosion-deposition cycles of estuarine sediments - ERODES
POCI/AMB/59262/2004
Principal investigator
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Concluded
2001 - 2004 MOBIDYCS - Integration of bioturbation and biodeposition processes in hydrodynamics and transport models for estuarine contaminated sediments.
POCTI/33735/BSE/1999
Principal investigator
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Other

Designation Funders
2021/01/01 - 2025/12/31 Aquatic Research Infrastructure Network
LA/P/0069/2020
10.54499/LA/P/0069/2020
Researcher
Universidade do Minho, Portugal

Universidade do Algarve, Portugal

Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas Sociais e da Vida, Portugal

FCiênciasID Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências, Portugal

Universidade de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências, Portugal

Universidade do Minho Centro de Biologia Molecular e Ambiental, Portugal

Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

Universidade de Évora, Portugal

Agência Regional para o Desenvolvimento da Investigação Tecnologia e Inovação, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Associação para a Inovação e Desenvolvimento da FCT, Portugal
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Ongoing
2023 - 2024 IRATOX - Aquatic Toxicity Risk Index
N/A
Researcher
Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
Ongoing
Outputs

Publications

Book
  1. Ferreira, José C.; Vasconcelos, Lia T. ; Jóia Santos, Catarina; Duarte, Cláudio M.; Martinho, Graça; Sobral, Paula. CAPonLITTER GreenBook. Almada, Portugal: NOVA School of Science and Technology | FCT NOVA / NOVACoastLAB @ MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre / ARNET - Aquatic Research Network. 2023.
    Published
  2. Sobral, Paula. Oceano de Plástico - Plastic Ocean. Lisbon, Portugal: Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos. 2022.
    Published
  3. Agenda Temática de investigação e Inovação – MAR. Agenda Temática de investigação e Inovação – MAR, III. Global change and natural and anthropic risks.. Portugal: FCT, IP. 2019.
    Published
  4. Bessa, F; Barria P; Neto JM; Frias, João Pedro Garcez Luís de; Otero, V; Sobral, Paula; Marques, JC. Proceedings of the International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea: Microplastics in juvenile commercial fish from a natural estuarine environment. Springer International Publishing. 2018.
    Published • 10.1007/978-3-319-71279-6
Book chapter
  1. 2nd United Nations Second World Ocean Assessment. "Changes in inputs and distribution of solid waste in the marine environment (other than dredged material) - Chapter 12". In 2nd United Nations World Ocean Assessment, 151-183. United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, 2021.
    Published • https://doi.org/10.18356/9789216040062
  2. Booth, A.; Sakaguchi-Söder, K.; Sobral, Paula; Airoldi, L.; Sempere, R.; Van Franeker, J.A.; Magnusson, K.; et al. "PLASTOX: Direct and Indirect Ecotoxicological Impacts of Microplastics on Marine Organisms". In Fate and Impact of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems, 108-109. Elsevier, 2017.
    Published • 10.1016/b978-0-12-812271-6.00105-8
  3. Gerdts, G.; Thomas, K.; Herzke, D.; Haeckel, M.; Scholz-Böttcher, B.; Laforsch, C.; Lagarde, F.; et al. "Defining the Baselines and Standards for Microplastics Analyses in European Waters (JPI-O BASEMAN)". In Fate and Impact of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems, 120-122. Elsevier, 2017.
    Published • 10.1016/b978-0-12-812271-6.00118-6
  4. Sobral, Paula; Frias, João Pedro Garcez Luís de; Antunes, Joana. "Microplastics – A never-ending story". In Marine litter in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. CIESM -Mediterranean Science Commission Workshop Monograph, edited by F. Briand, 125-136. Monaco: CIESM Publisher, 2014.
    Published
Conference abstract
  1. Rodrigues, Diana; Lopes, Ana Rita; Matos, Beatriz; Bramatti, Isabella; Diniz, Mário; João Paulo Noronha; Martins, Marta; et al. Corresponding author: Rodrigues, Diana. "Assessing the effects of nonylphenol and microplastics in Sparus aurata L., 1758 larvae: prey ingestion and dermal uptake pathways". Paper presented in 46th Larval Fish Conference, Lisbon, 2023.
  2. Martinho, G.; Naiara Casagrande; Sobral, Paula; Francesca Verones. "Integrating of ecotoxicological effects caused by additives on aquatic species into Life cycle impact assessment". Paper presented in SETAC Europe 33rd Annual Meeting, Dublin, 2023.
    Published
  3. 9616-0116-4770 ; Sobral, Paula; Ana Pires; Pequeno, João; Pais, Joana. Corresponding author: 9616-0116-4770. "Land-based sources of microplastics in the Lis River, Portugal.". Paper presented in ECSA 58 - EMECS 13, 2022.
  4. Sá, Bárbara Andreia; Pais, Joana; Pequeno, João; Ana Filipa Bessa; Sobral, Paula. "From the source to the ocean: Seasonal abundance of microplastics in the Mondego River, Portugal". Paper presented in 16th International Conference Littoral 22, Caparica, 2022.
  5. Sá, Bárbara Andreia; Pais, Joana; Sobral, Paula; Ana Pires; Pequeno, João. Corresponding author: Pequeno, João. "Microplastics in the Lis River, Portugal: abundance and distribution in relation to sources". Paper presented in 16th International Conference Littoral 22, Caparica, 2022.
  6. Rodrigues, Diana; Pequeno, João; Antunes, Joana; Sobral, Paula; Maria Helena Costa. Corresponding author: Rodrigues, Diana. "Are microplastics detected in the bogue Boops boops (L.) reflecting those available in its coastal feeding grounds?". Paper presented in ECSA 58 - EMECS 13: Estuaries and coastal seas in the Anthropocene – Structure, functions, services, and management, 2021.
  7. Fragão, Joana; Bessa, Filipa; BARBOSA, ANDRES; Trathan, Phil; Ratcliffe, Norman; Manno, Clara; Waluda, Claire; et al. "Microplastics in penguins in Antarctic Peninsula and the Scotia Sea: geographical and temporal analyses 2006-2016". Paper presented in Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Conference, 2021.
    Accepted
  8. Rodrigues, Diana; Antunes, Joana; Otero, Vanessa; Sá Caetano, Paulo; Sobral, Paula; Maria Helena Costa. Corresponding author: Rodrigues, Diana. "Distribution of microplastics in subtidal sediments at the Arrábida coast, Portugal". Paper presented in Micro 2020 International Conference “Fate and Impacts of microplastics: knowledge and responsibilities", 2020.
  9. Rodrigues, Diana; Sobral, Paula; Faria, Ana M.; Maria Helena Costa. Corresponding author: Rodrigues, Diana. "Distribuição temporal e espacial de microplásticos em sedimentos subtidais e águas de superfície numa área costeira portuguesa". Paper presented in 2ª Conferência Portuguesa sobre Lixo Marinho e Microplásticos, 2019.
  10. Rodrigues, Diana; Sobral, Paula; Faria, Ana M.; Maria Helena Costa. Corresponding author: Rodrigues, Diana. "Temporal and spatial distribution of microplastics in subtidal sediments and seawater surface at a Portuguese coastal area". Paper presented in 15th European Ecological Federation (EEF) Congress and 18th National SPECO Meeting, 2019.
  11. Bessa, F; Sobral, Paula; Borja, A; Marques, JC. "Assessing microplastic abundance and distribution in the surface waters of the Mondego river estuary (Portugal)". Paper presented in MICRO 2018. Fate and Impact of Microplastics: Knowledge, Actions and Solutions, Lanzarote, 2018.
    Published
  12. Antunes, Joana; Sobral, Paula; Dhimmer, Viren; Pequeno, João; Bessa, F. "Fish, bivalves and polychaeta: microplastics ingestion in Portuguese Coastal waters". Paper presented in MICRO 2018. Fate and Impact of Microplastics: Knowledge, Actions and Solutions, Lanzarote, 2018.
    Published
  13. DAmbrosio, M; Martins, M; Sobral, Paula; Costa, P; Costa, MH. "Exposure of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) to contaminated microplastic diet: Oxidative stress biomarkers, erythrocytic nuclear abnormalities and histopathological effects.". Paper presented in MICRO 2018. Fate and Impact of Microplastics: Knowledge, Actions and Solutions, Lanzarote, 2018.
    Published
  14. Gonçalves, C; DAmbrosio, M; Martins, M; Costa, P; Sobral, Paula; Costa, MH. "Toxicological effects of Solea senegalensis larvae after exposure to PCB contaminated microplastics". Paper presented in MICRO 2018. Fate and Impact of Microplastics: Knowledge, Actions and Solutions, Lanzarote, 2018.
    Published
  15. Sobral, Paula. "Microplastics from wastewater treatment plants – preliminary data - Proceedings of the International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea". Paper presented in International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea, Capri, 2018.
    Published • 10.1007/978-3-319-71279-6
  16. Sobral, Paula; Martins, Marta; Costa, H; Gonçalves, C. "Ingestion of microplastics by Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis): Influence of particle size on histopathological and oxidative stress responses". Paper presented in IMMR | International Meeting on Marine Research 2016, 2016.
Conference paper
  1. Martinho, G.; Sobral, Paula; Francesca Verones; Naiara Casagrande. "Effect factors for ecotoxicity from plastic additives in the aquatic ecosystem". Paper presented in 11th International Conference on Industrial Ecology (ISIE2023), Leiden, 2023.
    Published
  2. Umberto Andriolo; Gonçalves, Gil; Bessa, Filipa; Sobral, Paula; Luis Pinto; Diogo Duarte; Angela Fontán-Bouzas; Gonçalves, Luisa. Corresponding author: Umberto Andriolo. "On the use of drones to detect and map marine macro-litter on the North Atlantic Portuguese beach-dune systems: the experiences of UAS4Litter project". Paper presented in EGU General Assembly 2021, Viena Áustria, 2021.
    Published
  3. Vasconcelos, Lia T. ; Sobral, Paula; Silva F; Palma, I; Ferro F. "Marine litter: outreaching the youngsters.". Paper presented in 2015 AESOP Annual Congress: Definite space – fuzzy responsibility, Prague, 2015.
    Published
  4. Ferreira, José; Sobral, Paula; Vasconcelos, Lia; Martinho, Graça; Silva, Flávia; Palma, I.. "MARLISCO - MARine LItter in European Seas: Social AwarenesS and CO-Responsibility". Paper presented in 54th Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association Conference, Sesimbra, 2014.
Conference poster
  1. Pequeno, João; Sobral, Paula. "Microplastic pollution in the Tagus River, Portugal: Distribution and abundance from the Portuguese border to the river mouth". Paper presented in MICRO 2024 International Conference: Plastic pollution from macro to nano, 2024.
  2. Naiara Casagrande; Sobral, Paula; Graça Martinho. "Plastic additives: trophic level ecotoxicity for enhanced Life Cycle Assessment Impact". Paper presented in SETAC Seville – SETAC Europe 34th Annual Meeting, 5-9 May, 2024, 2024.
  3. Fragão, Joana; Bessa, Filipa; Otero, Vanessa; Barbosa, Andrés; Sobral, Paula; Waluda, Claire M.; Guímaro, Hugo; Xavier, Jose. Corresponding author: Fragão, Joana. "Microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in Antartica:: using penguins as biological samplers". Paper presented in 3ª Conferência Portuguesa sobre Lixo Marinho e Microplásticos/ 3rd Conference on Marine Litter and Microplastics, 2023.
  4. Sobral, Paula; Marta Susana Silvestre Gouveia Martins; Branco, Vasco. "Evaluation of interaction effects between nanoplastics and benzo[a]pyrene in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line". Paper presented in 7th International Marine Debris Conference, 2022.
  5. Pham, K. Christopher; Rodrigues, Clara; Rodríguez, Yasmina; Frias, João Pedro Garcez Luís de; Rita Carriço; Sobral, Paula. Corresponding author: Pham, K. Christopher. "Abundance and typology of microplastics in the beach sediments of the Azores Archipelago, NE Atlantic". Paper presented in 7th International Marine Debris Conference, 2022.
  6. Martinho, G.; Naiara Casagrande; Sobral, Paula; Francesca Verones. "Life cycle impact assessment perspectives for integration of impacts caused by microplastic in the marine ecosystem". Paper presented in 7th International Marine Debris, 2022.
  7. Bessa, Filipa; Vaz J; Sobral, Paula; Marques, JC.. "Marine litter trends of beaches with different human-induced pressures on the European Atlantic coast (Portugal).". Paper presented in Sixth International Marine Debris Conference (IMDC), San Diego (USA), 12-16 March 2018., 2018.
  8. Antunes, Joana; Sobral, Paula; Dhimmer V; Pequeno J; Bessa, Filipa. "Fish, bivalves and polychaeta: microplastics ingestion in Portuguese coastal waters.". Paper presented in MICRO 2018, Fate and Impact of Microplastics: Knowledge, Actions and Solutions, Lanzarote, 19-23 November 2018, 2018.
  9. Frias, João Pedro Garcez Luís de; Nash R; Carretero O; Viñas L; Gago, Jesús; Lopes, Clara; Raimundo, Joana; et al. "Sampling methodologies for microplastics in the marine environment (WP4).". Paper presented in 2nd JPI Oceans Conference, Lisbon, 26 October 2017., 2017.
  10. Bessa, Filipa; Gonçalves C.; Sobral, Paula; Marques, JC.. "Ocorrência de microplásticos em praias arenosas sujeitas a diferentes pressões humanas: Resultados preliminares". Paper presented in MICRO2016 - 1º Congresso Português sobre Microplásticos. Porto, Portugal, 19-20 December 2016, 2016.
Journal article
  1. Giulia Cesarini; Massimiliano Scalici; Timothy Hoellein; Paula Sobral; Verónica Ferreira. "Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems: publication trends and overview of the special issue". Hydrobiologia (2026): https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-026-06303-y.
    10.1007/s10750-026-06303-y
  2. Jenifer Panizzon; Thaís Fátima Rodrigues; Ana Carolina Lima; Daniela de Lima de Oliveira; Karine Taynara Führ; Daniela Müller de Quevedo; Paula Sobral; Günther Gehlen; Vanusca Dalosto Jahno. "From source to mouth: an integrated assessment of microplastics in the Sinos River, Southern Brazil, using SEM-EDS analysis and atmospheric modeling". Revista Brasileira de Ciências Ambientais (2026): https://doi.org/10.5327/Z2176-94782883.
    10.5327/Z2176-94782883
  3. Stéphanie Birnstiel; Michaël Grelaud; Carlos E.P. Teixeira; Andreia Guilherme; Claudia Lorenz; Jes Vollertsen; Paula Sobral; Gerald Langer; Patrizia Ziveri. "Sources and distribution of microlitter in the tropical and temperate Atlantic Ocean". Environmental Pollution (2026): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127941.
    10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127941
  4. Ronaldo Sousa; Verónica Ferreira; Susana Costas; Celso Alves; Pedro Anastácio; Paula Chaínho; Pedro A. Costa; et al. "Scanning the horizon: anticipating future changes in Portuguese aquatic ecosystems". Environmental and Sustainability Indicators (2025): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2025.100876.
    10.1016/j.indic.2025.100876
  5. Emanuelle Fontenele Rabelo; Rilari Carla Maia Oliveira; Jessica Clautenislara do Nascimento Freitas; Maria Luiza Cândido da Silva; Lucio Brabo; Patrizia Ziveri; Michael Grelaud; et al. "Microplastic pollution in bivalve species from tropical mangrove habitats". Regional Studies in Marine Science (2025): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104227.
    10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104227
  6. Joana Cepeda da Silva Antunes; Paula Sobral; Vasco Branco; Marta Martins. "Uncovering layer by layer the risk of nanoplastics to the environment and human health". Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B (2025): https://doi.org/10.1080/10937404.2024.2424156.
    10.1080/10937404.2024.2424156
  7. Silva, Carla O.; Casagrande, Naiara; Candeias, Catarina; Sobral, Paula; Martinho, Graça. Corresponding author: Silva, Carla O.. "Assessing ecotoxicity of plastic additives to apply in effect factors for Life Cycle Impact Assessment". Science of The Total Environment 967 (2025): 178836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178836.
    Published • 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.178836
  8. Sobral, Paula. "Microplastics pollution: a growing threat to health and the environment (in portuguese)". Revista Argos - Museu Marítimo de Ílhavo 12 (2024): 90-97.
    Published
  9. Davidov, Keren; Marsay, Katherine S.; Itzahri, Sheli; Rubin-Blum, Maxim; Sobral, Paula; Kranzler, Chana F.; Oren, Matan. "Community composition and seasonal dynamics of microplastic biota in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea". Scientific Reports 14 1 (2024): https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-73281-3.
    Open access • 10.1038/s41598-024-73281-3
  10. Casagrande, Naiara; Verones, Francesca; Sobral, Paula; Martinho, Graça. "Physical properties of microplastics affecting the aquatic biota: A review". Environmental Advances 17 (2024): 100566. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100566.
    Published • 10.1016/j.envadv.2024.100566
  11. Antunes, J.; Bramatti, I.; Sobral, P.; Martins, M.; Branco, V.. "P21-27 Inflammatory and genotoxic effects of nanoplastics and benzo[a]pyrene in zebrafish". Toxicology Letters 399 (2024): S316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.07.757.
    10.1016/j.toxlet.2024.07.757
  12. Rodrigues, Clara; Rodríguez, Yasmina; Frias, João; Carriço, Rita; Sobral, Paula; Antunes, Joana; Duncan, Emily M.; Pham, Christopher K.. "Microplastics in beach sediments of the Azores archipelago, NE Atlantic". Marine Pollution Bulletin 201 (2024): 116243. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116243.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116243
  13. Naiara Casagrande; Carla Silva; Francesca Verones; Paula Sobral; Martinho, G.. "Ecotoxicity effect factors for plastic additives on the aquatic environment: a new approach for life cycle impact assessment". Environmental Pollution (2024): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122935.
    10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122935
  14. Diana Rodrigues; João Pequeno; Joana Pais; Joana Antunes; Paula Sobral; Maria Helena Costa. "Comparing microplastics ingested by the bogue Boops boops (Teleostei: Sparidae) to those available in its feeding areas: A case study on the Portuguese west coast". Regional Studies in Marine Science (2023): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103093.
    10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103093
  15. Joana Antunes; Paula Sobral; Marta Martins; Vasco Branco. "Nanoplastics activate a TLR4/p38-mediated pro-inflammatory response in human intestinal and mouse microglia cells". Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology (2023): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2023.104298.
    10.1016/j.etap.2023.104298
  16. Katherine S. Marsay; Ana C. Ambrosino; Yuri Koucherov; Keren Davidov; Neusa Figueiredo; Iryna Yakovenko; Sheli Itzahri; et al. "The geographical and seasonal effects on the composition of marine microplastic and its microbial communities: The case study of Israel and Portugal". Frontiers in Microbiology (2023): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1089926.
    10.3389/fmicb.2023.1089926
  17. Gil Gonçalves; Umberto Andriolo; Luísa M.S. Gonçalves; Paula Sobral; Filipa Bessa. "Beach litter survey by drones: Mini-review and discussion of a potential standardization". Environmental Pollution (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120370.
    10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120370
  18. Diana Rodrigues; Joana Antunes; Joana Pais; João Pequeno; Paulo Sá Caetano; Fernando Rocha; Paula Sobral; Maria Helena Costa. "Distribution patterns of microplastics in subtidal sediments from the Sado river estuary and the Arrábida marine park, Portugal". Frontiers in Environmental Science (2022): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.998513.
    10.3389/fenvs.2022.998513
  19. Sá, Bárbara; Pais, Joana; Antunes, Joana; Pequeno, João; Pires, Ana; Sobral, Paula. Corresponding author: Pais, Joana. "Seasonal Abundance and Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in the Lis River, Portugal". Sustainability 14 4 (2022): 2255. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su14042255.
    Open access • Published • 10.3390/su14042255
  20. Fragão, Joana; Bessa, Filipa; Otero, Vanessa; Barbosa, Andrés; Sobral, Paula; Waluda, Claire M.; Guímaro, Hugo R.; Xavier, José C.. "Microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in Antarctica: Using penguins as biological samplers". Science of The Total Environment 788 (2021): 147698. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147698.
    10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147698
  21. Antunes, J.C.; Branco, V.; Sobral, Paula; Martins, M.. "Polystyrene nanoparticles interference in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line HT29". Toxicology Letters 350 (2021): S195-S196. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0378-4274(21)00700-1.
    10.1016/s0378-4274(21)00700-1
  22. Andriolo, Umberto; Gonçalves, Gil; Sobral, Paula; Bessa, Filipa. "Spatial and size distribution of macro-litter on coastal dunes from drone images: A case study on the Atlantic coast". Marine Pollution Bulletin 169 (2021): 112490. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112490.
    Published • 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112490
  23. Andriolo, Umberto; Gonçalves, Gil; Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson; Paterni, Marco; Bessa, Filipa; Gonçalves, Luisa M.S.; Sobral, Paula; et al. "Drones for litter mapping: An inter-operator concordance test in marking beached items on aerial images". Marine Pollution Bulletin 169 (2021): 112542. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112542.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112542
  24. Pires, Ana; Sobral, Paula. "Application of failure mode and effects analysis to reduce microplastic emissions". Waste Management & Research: The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy (2021): 0734242X2110031. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0734242x211003133.
    10.1177/0734242x211003133
  25. Pequeno, João; Antunes, Joana; Dhimmer, Viren; Bessa, Filipa; Sobral, Paula. "Microplastics in Marine and Estuarine Species From the Coast of Portugal". Frontiers in Environmental Science 9 (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.579127.
    10.3389/fenvs.2021.579127
  26. Galgani, Francois; Brien, Aleke Stoefen-o; Weis, Judith; Ioakeimidis, Christos; Schuyler, Qamar; Makarenko, Iryna; Griffiths, Huw; et al. "Are litter, plastic and microplastic quantities increasing in the ocean?". Microplastics and Nanoplastics 1 1 (2021): http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s43591-020-00002-8.
    Published • 10.1186/s43591-020-00002-8
  27. Rodrigues, Diana; Antunes, Joana; Otero, Vanessa; Sobral, Paula; Costa, Maria Helena. "Distribution Patterns of Microplastics in Seawater Surface at a Portuguese Estuary and Marine Park". Frontiers in Environmental Science 8 (2020): http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2020.582217.
    Published • 10.3389/fenvs.2020.582217
  28. Andriolo, Umberto; Gonçalves, Gil; Sobral, Paula; Fontán-Bouzas, Ángela; Bessa, Filipa. "Beach-dune morphodynamics and marine macro-litter abundance: An integrated approach with Unmanned Aerial System". Science of The Total Environment 749 (2020): 141474. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141474.
    Published • 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141474
  29. Gonçalves, Gil; Bessa, Filipa; Andriolo, Umberto; Sobral, Paula. "Using drones to map marine litter on Portugal’s coastline". Research Outreach (2020): https://researchoutreach.org/articles/using-drone-map-marine-litter-portugals-coastline/.
    Open access • Published
  30. Andriolo, Umberto; Gonçalves, Gil; Bessa, Filipa; Sobral, Paula. "Mapping marine litter on coastal dunes with unmanned aerial systems: A showcase on the Atlantic Coast". Science of The Total Environment 736 (2020): 139632. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139632.
    Published • 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139632
  31. Gil Gonçalves; Umberto Andriolo; Luísa Gonçalves; Paula Sobral; Filipa Bessa. "Quantifying Marine Macro Litter Abundance on a Sandy Beach Using Unmanned Aerial Systems and Object-Oriented Machine Learning Methods". Remote Sensing (2020): https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12162599.
    10.3390/rs12162599
  32. Sobral, Paula. "Microplastics in gentoo penguins from the Antarctic region". Scientific Reports (2019): http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50621-2.
    10.1038/s41598-019-50621-2
  33. Kandziora, J.H.; van Toulon, N.; Sobral, P.; Taylor, H.L.; Ribbink, A.J.; Jambeck, J.R.; Werner, S.. "The important role of marine debris networks to prevent and reduce ocean plastic pollution". Marine Pollution Bulletin 141 (2019): 657-662. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.034.
    Published • 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.034
  34. Sobral, Paula. "An assessment of the ability to ingest and excrete microplastics by filter-feeders: A case study with the Mediterranean mussel". Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) (2019): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.038.
    10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.038
  35. Chagnon, Catherine; Thiel, Martin; Antunes, Joana; Ferreira, Joana Lia; Sobral, Paula; Ory, Nicolas Christian. "Plastic ingestion and trophic transfer between Easter Island flying fish (Cheilopogon rapanouiensis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from Rapa Nui (Easter Island)". Environmental Pollution 243 (2018): 127-133. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.042.
    Published • 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.08.042
  36. Frederieke Kroon; Cherie Motti; Sam Talbot; Paula Sobral; Marji Puotinen. "A workflow for improving estimates of microplastic contamination in marine waters: A case study from North-Western Australia". Environmental Pollution 238 (2018): 26-38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.010.
    10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.010
  37. Abidli, Sami; Antunes, Joana C.; Ferreira, Joana L.; Lahbib, Youssef; Sobral, Paula; Trigui El Menif, Najoua. "Microplastics in sediments from the littoral zone of the north Tunisian coast (Mediterranean Sea)". Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 205 (2018): 1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2018.03.006.
    10.1016/j.ecss.2018.03.006
  38. Bessa, Filipa; Barría, Pablo; Neto, João M.; Frias, João P.G.L.; Otero, Vanessa; Sobral, Paula; Marques, J.C.. "Occurrence of microplastics in commercial fish from a natural estuarine environment". Marine Pollution Bulletin 128 (2018): 575-584. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.044.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.044
  39. Ory, N.; Chagnon, C.; Felix, F.; Fernández, C.; Ferreira, J.L.; Gallardo, C.; Garcés Ordóñez, O.; et al. "Low prevalence of microplastic contamination in planktivorous fish species from the southeast Pacific Ocean". Marine Pollution Bulletin 127 (2018): 211-216. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85037342422&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.12.016
  40. Sobral, Paula. "Microplastics on the Portuguese coast". Marine pollution bulletin (2018): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.025.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.04.025
  41. Lusher, A.L.; Welden, N.A.; Sobral, P.; Cole, M.. "Sampling, isolating and identifying microplastics ingested by fish and invertebrates". Analytical Methods 9 9 (2017): 1346-1360. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85014559864&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1039/c6ay02415g
  42. Ory, N.C.; Sobral, P.; Ferreira, J.L.; Thiel, M.. "Amberstripe scad Decapterus muroadsi (Carangidae) fish ingest blue microplastics resembling their copepod prey along the coast of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the South Pacific subtropical gyre". Science of the Total Environment 586 (2017): 430-437. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-85011990305&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.175
  43. Frias, J.P.G.L.; Gago, J.; Otero, V.; Sobral, P.. "Microplastics in coastal sediments from Southern Portuguese shelf waters". Marine Environmental Research 114 (2016): 24-30. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84959211797&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.12.006
  44. Neves, D.; Sobral, P.; Ferreira, J.L.; Pereira, T.. "Ingestion of microplastics by commercial fish off the Portuguese coast". Marine Pollution Bulletin 101 1 (2015): 119-126. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84947595047&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.008
  45. Neves, D.; Sobral, P.; Pereira, T.. "Marine litter in bottom trawls off the Portuguese coast". Marine Pollution Bulletin 99 1-2 (2015): 301-304. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84944280687&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.07.044
  46. Matias, D.; Ben-Hamadou, R.; Joaquim, S.; Matias, A.M.; Sobral, P.; Leitão, A.. "The influence of different microalgal diets on European clam (Ruditapes decussatus, Linnaeus, 1758) larvae culture performances". Aquaculture Research 46 10 (2015): 2527-2543. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84940896574&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1111/are.12417
  47. Vieira, R.P.; Raposo, I.P.; Sobral, P.; Gonçalves, J.M.S.; Bell, K.L.C.; Cunha, M.R.. "Lost fishing gear and litter at Gorringe Bank (NE Atlantic)". Journal of Sea Research 100 (2014): 91-98. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84938211152&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.seares.2014.10.005
  48. Frias, J.P.G.L.; Otero, V.; Sobral, P.. "Evidence of microplastics in samples of zooplankton from Portuguese coastal waters". Marine Environmental Research 95 (2014): 89-95. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84893757786&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.01.001
  49. Matias, Domitília; Joaquim, Sandra; Matias, Ana Margarete; Moura, Paula; de Sousa, Joana Teixeira; Sobral, Paula; Leitão, Alexandra. "The reproductive cycle of the European clam Ruditapes decussatus (L., 1758) in two Portuguese populations: Implications for management and aquaculture programs". Aquaculture 406-407 (2013): 52-61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.04.030.
    10.1016/j.aquaculture.2013.04.030
  50. Frias, João P. G. L.; Antunes, Joana C.; Sobral, Paula. "Local marine litter survey - A case study in Alcobaça municipality, Portugal". Revista de Gestão Costeira Integrada 13 2 (2013): 169-179. http://dx.doi.org/10.5894/rgci395.
    Published • 10.5894/rgci395
  51. Mizukawa, K.; Takada, H.; Ito, M.; Geok, Y.B.; Hosoda, J.; Yamashita, R.; Saha, M.; et al. "Monitoring of a wide range of organic micropollutants on the Portuguese coast using plastic resin pellets". Marine Pollution Bulletin 70 1-2 (2013): 296-302. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84877832103&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.02.008
  52. Barros, P.; Sobral, P.; Range, P.; Chícharo, L.; Matias, D.. "Effects of sea-water acidification on fertilization and larval development of the oyster Crassostrea gigas". Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 440 (2013): 200-206. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84873128944&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.jembe.2012.12.014
  53. Antunes, J.C.; Frias, J.G.L.; Micaelo, A.C.; Sobral, P.. "Resin pellets from beaches of the Portuguese coast and adsorbed persistent organic pollutants". Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 130 (2013): 62-69. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84883202933&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.ecss.2013.06.016
  54. Sobral, P.; Ferreira, J.C.; Pinto, F.T.. "GIS and web-based information as innovative tools for coastal zone management". Journal of Coastal Conservation 16 4 (2012): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84870300576&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s11852-012-0185-4
  55. Sobral, P.; Ferreira, J.C.; Pinto, F.T.. "People, Communities, and Education at the Coast". Journal of Coastal Conservation 16 4 (2012): http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84870291819&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s11852-012-0194-3
  56. Matias, D.; Joaquim, S.; Ramos, M.; Sobral, P.; Leitão, A.. "Biochemical compounds' dynamics during larval development of the carpet-shell clam Ruditapes decussatus (Linnaeus, 1758): Effects of mono-specific diets and starvation". Helgoland Marine Research 65 3 (2011): 369-379. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-80051791703&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s10152-010-0230-3
  57. Martins, J.; Sobral, P.. "Plastic marine debris on the Portuguese coastline: A matter of size?". Marine Pollution Bulletin 62 12 (2011): 2649-2653. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-81855217528&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.09.028
  58. Frias, J.P.G.L.; Sobral, P.; Ferreira, A.M.. "Organic pollutants in microplastics from two beaches of the Portuguese coast". Marine Pollution Bulletin 60 11 (2010): 1988-1992. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-78049295157&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.07.030
  59. Fernandes, S.; Sobral, P.; Alcântara, F.. "Nereis diversicolor and copper contamination effect on the erosion of cohesive sediments: A flume experiment". Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 82 3 (2009): 443-451. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-62749158225&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.ecss.2009.02.007
  60. Soares, C.; Sobral, Paula. "Bioturbation and erodibility of sediments from the Tagus estuary". Journal of Coastal Research SPEC. ISSU (2009): 1429-1433. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84889842704&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
  61. Soares, Claudia; Sobral, Paula. "Density-dependent effects of bioturbation by the clam, Scrobicularia plana, on the erodibility of estuarine sediments". Marine and Freshwater Research 60 7 (2009): 737. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf08069.
    Published • 10.1071/mf08069
  62. Almeida, A.; Cunha, A.; Fernandes, S.; Sobral, P.; Alcântara, F.. "Copper effects on bacterial activity of estuarine silty sediments". Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 73 3-4 (2007): 743-752. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-34249060301&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.ecss.2007.03.013
  63. Fernandes, S.; Sobral, P.; van Duren, L.. "Clearance rates of Cerastoderma edule under increasing current velocity". Continental Shelf Research 27 8 (2007): 1104-1115. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-34247323569&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.csr.2006.08.010
  64. Fernandes, S.; Sobral, P.; Costa, M.H.. "Nereis diversicolor effect on the stability of cohesive intertidal sediments". Aquatic Ecology 40 4 (2006): 567-579. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-33847291396&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s10452-005-8000-z
  65. Fernandes, S.; Meysman, F.J.R.; Sobral, P.. "The influence of Cu contamination on Nereis diversicolor bioturbation". Marine Chemistry 102 1-2 (2006): 148-158. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-33748912232&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/j.marchem.2005.12.002
  66. Sobral, P.; Fernandes, S.. "Physiological responses and scope for growth of ruditapes decussatus from Ria Formosa, southern Portugal, exposed to increased ambient ammonia". Scientia Marina 68 2 (2004): 219-225. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-3442877918&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
  67. Sobral, P; Widdows, J. "Effects of increasing current velocity, turbidity and particle-size selection on the feeding activity and scope for growth of Ruditapes decussatus from Ria Formosa, southern Portugal". Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 245 1 (2000): 111-125. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0022-0981(99)00154-9.
    10.1016/s0022-0981(99)00154-9
  68. Sobral, P.; Widdows, J.. "Influence of hypoxia and anoxia on the physiological responses of the clam Ruditapes decussatus from southern Portugal". Marine Biology 127 3 (1997): 455-461. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0031046818&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1007/s002270050033
  69. Sobral, P.; Widdows, J.. "Effects of elevated temperatures on the scope for growth and resistance to air exposure of the clam Ruditapes decussatus (L.), from southern Portugal". Scientia Marina 61 2 (1997): 163-171. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0031399311&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
  70. Sobral, P.; Widdows, J.. "Effects of copper exposure on the scope for growth of the clam Ruditapes decussatus from southern Portugal". Marine Pollution Bulletin 34 12 (1997): 992-1000. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0031425932&partnerID=MN8TOARS.
    10.1016/S0025-326X(97)00116-1
Newspaper article
  1. Sobral, Paula. "Plástico: olhar e não ver (Plastic - to look and not see)", Público , 2023, https://www.publico.pt/2023/06/21/azul/opiniao/plastico-olhar-nao-2053121.
  2. Sobral, Paula. "Poluição por plástico: um problema global", Jornal Económico, 2022, https://jornaleconomico.pt/noticias/poluicao-por-plastico-um-problema-global-972533.
  3. Sobral, Paula. "A ilha de plástico do Pacífico Norte tem 17 vezes o tamanho de Portugal/The plastic Island of the North Pacific is 17 times the size of Portugal", Público, 2018, https://www.publico.pt/n1807660.
Preprint
  1. Keren Davidov; Katherine S. Marsay; Sheli Itzahri; Maxim Rubin-Blum; Paula Sobral; Chana F. Kranzler; Matan Oren. "Community Composition and Seasonal Dynamics of Microplastic Biota in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea". 2024. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4658091/v1.
    10.21203/rs.3.rs-4658091/v1
Report
  1. Bondareff J, Griffiths H, Hassellov M, Ioakeimidis, C., Jambeck, J, Keener P, Lana F, Makarenko I, Rochman C, Schuyler Q. 2021. United Nations Second World Ocean Assessment, 2021. Chapter 12: Changes in inputs and distribution of solid waste in the marine environment (other than dredged material). https://www.un.org/regularprocess/woa2.
  2. Sobral, Paula; Bessa, Filipa; Frias, João Pedro Garcez Luís de; Antunes, Joana. 2019. Harmonized protocol for monitoring microplastics in biota. https://tinyurl.com/y2ra2shf DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.28588.72321/1.
    DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.28588.72321/1
  3. Frias, João Pedro Garcez Luís de; Bessa, Filipa; Sobral, Paula; Antunes, Joana; Jesus Gago; A. Filgueiras; M.L. Pedrotti; et al. 2019. Standardised protocol for monitoring microplastics in sediments. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14181.45282.
    DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.14181.45282
  4. Piarulli S; Airoldi L; Wen J; Magnusson K; Granberg M; Van Colen; Bessa, Filipa; Sobral, Paula; van Franeker JA. 2017. Deliverable 3.1. Plastox Project - Qualitative and quantitative information on the distribution of MPs in key species at different trophic levels..
  5. Frias, João Pedro Garcez Luís de; Antunes, Joana; Sobral, Paula. 2017. WP4: Microplastic sampling comparison. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27319.32162.
    DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.27319.32162
  6. Sobral, Paula. 2016. Identifying Sources of Marine Litter . MSFD GES TG Marine Litter Thematic Report;. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/good-environmental-status/descriptor-10/pdf/MSFD_identifying_sources_of_marine_litter.pdf.
  7. Sobral, Paula. 2016. Identifying Sources of Marine Litter. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/good-environmental-status/descriptor-10/pdf/MSFD_identifying_sources_of_marine_litter.pdf.
  8. GESAMP. 2016. Sources, fate and effects of microplastics in the marine environment: part two of a global assessment.
  9. Costa-Carvalho, Sara ; Silva, Margarida; Sobral, Paula. 1999. Overview of Environmental Curricula and Labour Market issues in Portugal-Project ESSENCE. www.vsnu.nl.
Thesis / Dissertation
  1. "Ecophysiology of Ruditapes decussatus L. (Bivalvia, Veneridae). PhD Thesis. FCTUNL, Lisboa. 189p.". PhD, Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, 1995. http://run.unl.pt/handle/10362/1154.

Other

Dataset
  1. Charlotte A.L. Dhondt; Mateja Grego; Argyro Adamopoulou; Roula Andriopoulou; Plamen Angelov; Joana C. Antunes; Oliver Bajt; et al. Plastic Pirates - Go Europe!: Floating macro-, meso- and microlitter data collected by citizens in rivers in Europe between 2022 and 2024. 2025.
    10.5281/ZENODO.15535538
Activities

Oral presentation

Presentation title Event name
Host (Event location)
2023/12/06 Microplásticos: a ameaça silenciosa/ Microplastics the silent threat Ciclo de Conferências sobre Sustentabilidade – A Água e o Futuro
NOVA School of Science and Technology (Caparica, Portugal)
2023/03 Plástico: olhar e não ver / Plastic: looking and not seeing NOVA AZUL - a new view over the blue
NOVA School of Science and Technology (Caparica, Portugal)

Supervision

Thesis Title
Role		 Degree Subject (Type)
Institution / Organization
2022/03 - Current Microplastics in marine organisms.
Co-supervisor
 Microplastics in marine organisms (PhD)
Université de Sfax, Tunisia
2020 - Current Evaluation of the impacts of microplastics Life Cycle on biodiversity indicators
Co-supervisor
 Ambiente e Sustentabilidade (PhD)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2020 - Current Toxicological Mechanisms of Nanoplastics: Inflammation has a Genotoxicity Trigger
Co-supervisor
 Ambiente e Sustentabilidade (PhD)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2022 - 2022 Microplastics from the Mondego estuary and the adjacent marine area
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2022 - 2022 Microplastics in personal care products
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2021 - 2022 Microplastics abundance in the river Tagus and estuary
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2021 - 2022 Microplastics from the river to the sea.
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2018 - 2022 Microplastics and associated contaminants in Portuguese coastal waters: impacts of plastic ingestion on marine commercial fish, during larval, juvenile and adult stages
Supervisor
 Ambiente e Sustentabilidade (PhD)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2021 - 2021 Marine litter: harmonization of monitoring methodologies and citizen science
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2021 - 2021 Microplastics in coastal waters and sediments from the Algarve coast
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2021 - 2021 Detection of microplastics in WWTP subproducts
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2019 - 2019 Microplastics ingestion, toxicity and trophic transfer between artemia (Artemia salina) and turbot (Psetta maxima)
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2018 - 2018 Roadmap for Marine Litter in the Portuguese-speaking countries
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2017 - 2017 Microplastics in gastrointestinal tracts of Trachurus trachurus and Scomber colias from the Portuguese Coastal waters
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2010 - 2015 Effects of the presence of microplastic particles in Portuguese coastal waters and marine mussels.
Supervisor
 Ambiente (PhD)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2013 - 2013 Marine litter on the seabed and ingestion by fish from the coast of Portugal
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2009 - 2013 Biological bases and environmental conditions for the optimization of the production of the carpet-shell clam Ruditapes decussatus (Linné, 1758)
Supervisor
 Ambiente (PhD)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2011 - 2011 Characterization of plastic litter in the Portuguese coast – is it a microproblem?
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2010 - 2011 Effects of ocean acidification on the larval development of Crassostrea gigas
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2010 - 2010 Microplastics: the poisoned present
Supervisor
 Engenharia do Ambiente (Master)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2003 - 2009 Functional role of macrobenthos in estuarine sediment dynamics.
Supervisor
 Ambiente (PhD)
Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal

Event organisation

Event name
Type of event (Role)		 Institution / Organization
2018/11/16 - 2018/11/16 DIA NACIONAL DO MAR / National Day of the Sea – talks by Captain Charles Moore (from Algalita, USA) and João Frias. (researcher) Side events comprised artistic manifestations and reusing plastics with the Precious Plastic project. (2018/11/16 - 2018/11/16)
Conference (Co-organiser)
 Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal

Event participation

Activity description
Type of event		 Event name
Institution / Organization
2019/04 - 2019/04 National Geographic Summit (speaker)
Meeting
 Plastic Voice
National Geographic Society, United States

Association member

Society Organization name Role
2013/11/25 - Current APLM - Portuguese Marine Litter Association President of the Board of Directors
1996 - Current SPECO - Portuguese Ecological Society founding member
1976 - Current LPN - League for the Protection of Nature member

Committee member

Activity description
Role		 Institution / Organization
2024 - Current Conselho Português para a Saúde e o Ambiente (membro do Conselho Científico)
Member
 Conselho Português para a Saúde e o Ambiente, Portugal
2020/02/04 - Current Portuguese Pact for Plastics - stakeholders platform for plastic circularity. Scientific committee member
Member
 Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2018 - Current Member of the UN advisor group GESAMP (workgroup 40), working in multidisciplinary international teams on the fate and impacts of microplastics Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection, United Kingdom
2022 - 2026 Participation as expert in the definition of a methodology to measure microplastics in drinking water. “Workshops on a methodology for the measurement of microplastics in drinking water”.
Member
 Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos, Portugal

Universidade Nova de Lisboa Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Portugal
2021 - 2024 Microplastic Expert Group (MPEG) for the establishment of Guidelines for the monitoring of microlitter (including microplastics) in seafloor sediments for the OSPAR Maritime Area
Member
 Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente - FCT NOVA, Portugal
2022 - 2023 “Workshops on a methodology for the measurement of microplastics in drinking water”, promoted by the EU Joint Research Centre, regarding the implementation of the Drinking Water Directive in the member states. (as expert)
Member
 Universidade Nova de Lisboa Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente, Portugal

Centro de Ciências do Mar e do Ambiente - FCT NOVA, Portugal

Conference scientific committee

Conference name Conference host
2018 - 2018 MICRO 2018, Fate and Impact of Microplastics: Knowledge, Actions and Solutions, Lanzarote, 19-23 November 2018

Evaluation committee

Activity description
Role		 Institution / Organization Funding entity
2022 - 2022 Evaluation committee of PhD applications to be granted in the Panel “Environment”
Evaluator
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2018 - 2018 Evaluation of Mobilitas Pluss postdoctoral grant applications
Evaluator
 Estonian Research Council (ETAg) , Estonia
2018 - 2018 Evaluation committee of PhD applications to be granted in the Panel “Environment”
Vice-President
 Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2018 - 2018 Sinergia projects funding
Evaluator
 Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung, Switzerland
2015 - 2015 Evaluation Committee of Toxicology / Ecotoxicology projects
Evaluator
 France National Research Agency - ANR (F), France

Interview (newspaper / magazine)

Activity description Newspaper / Forum
2024/01/29 Vamos ouvir falar dele/ We will hear about it interview about exposure and impacts micro and nanoplastics on human health. Expresso Curto (online)
2020/10/16 Oceanos de Esperança. Oceans of Hope Visão magazine
2018/10/13 Interview about microbeads in personal care products (Living without plastic) Revista Sábado

Interview (tv / radio show)

Program Topic
2024/01/12 - Current Evening news “Jornal da Noite” Impacts of the spillage of 26 tons of plastic pellets in offshore Galicia (live comments)
2023/08/17 - Current “VERDES ANOS” episode n.7 Marine litter and microplastics and pressures on marine biodiversity
2021/03/30 - Current Podcast Science with Impact - T3E13 “Paula Sobral - Oceanos afogados em Plástico” 30 March 2021. Oceanos afogados em Plástico / Oceans drowning in plastic
2020/02/11 - Current Sociedade Civil – direct A future without plastic?
2019/06/20 - Current Grande Reportagem - Plástico nosso de cada dia. SIC, 20 Junho 2019 Our everyday plastic
2016/01/03 - Current Radio Adelaide Digital, Australia Macro Problems with Micro Plastics,
2026/03/19 - 2026/03/19 ScienceCast - Uma Conversa com ciência E10 T4 (podcast) Poluição marinha por microplásticos
2023/09/25 - 2023/09/25 Guerreiras pelo Oceano/Women warriors for the Ocean - ocean conservation and research on microplastics Ocean conservation and research on microplastics
Distinctions

Award

2022 Environment - Personality Award
Magazine Imobiliário, Portugal
2019 Iconic Women Creating a Better World for ALL
Women Economic Forum: Inspiring passion and Innovation through sustainable change, India

Other distinction

2024 TOP 2% World Scientists
2019 Women in Science - Ciência Viva Agency
Ciência Viva, Portugal
2017 Microplastics expert for the National Science and Technology Foundation
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal