Environmental sustainability

Ist Mikroplastik schädlich?

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 09:34:42 +0000

Are microplastics harmful? hannes.schritt… Thu, 03/03/2022 - 10:34

Untertitel

The ecotoxicological assessment of microplastics in the environment is a complex task

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Part of the Poster

Beschreibung

Whether or not microplastics have harmful effects on plants and animals has not yet been conclusively established. The different properties of microplastics determine whether and how the microplastics are absorbed by living organisms and whether they are harmful to them.

Compared to other pollutants in the environment (e.g. pesticides), microplastics do not have a uniform effect on living organisms. In addition, the effects of microplastics often cannot be distinguished from the harmful effects of other particles and substances found in the environment.

Further Links

Ecotoxicology of Microplastics - Poster

Year

2022

Type of Result

educational material

Citation

Aebli, L., Wendt-Potthoff, K., Laforsch, C., Höss, S., Schritt, H., Kemper, M. (2022): Plastics in the Environment. Are microplastics harmful? URL: https://bmbf-plastik.de/sites/default/files/2022-03/ToxPoster_EN_03.pdf

Tags

Microplastics

Food web

Ecotoxicology

Sublethal effects

Toxicology

Environmental sustainability

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Publikation

Querschnittsthema

QST 2

Factsheet 7.2: Mikroplastik im Nahrungsnetz in Gewässern - Analyse von Wirkung und Transfer am Beispiel der Fadenwürmer (Nematoden)

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Thu, 06 May 2021 12:42:40 +0000

Factsheet 7.2: Microplastics in the aquatic food web - Impact and transfer analysis based on the example of roundworms (nematodes) janna.vakili@e… Thu, 05/06/2021 - 14:42

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Photo: © Hendrik Füser, Bielefeld University, Department of Animal Ecology

Beschreibung

"To assess the ecologic danger posed by microplastics, one must also consider indirect effects in the food web", say Sebastian Höss (Ecossa) and Marie-Theres Rauchschwalbe (Bielefeld University). The researchers from the joint project MikroPlaTaS looked at these effects using nematodes as an example.

Roundworms (nematodes) live in the sediment layer of water bodies and serve as a food source for larger aquatic organisms. Nematodes are capable of absorbing microplastics within a matter of minutes, resulting in these small plastic particles entering the food chain. Insights into the subsequent effects are useful for considering the transfer of microplastics in the food web, as nematodes are a significant food source for organisms in the bottom zone of the water body.

The project partners of the joint project MikroPlaTaS worked in the field, in the laboratory and in semi-outdoor systems (micro- and mesocosms). In this way, impact thresholds and mechanisms were modelled with the help of individual laboratory species of meio- and macrofauna, which could then be tested under realistic conditions for complex organism communities.

The results of the investigations are presented in the second factsheet of the research project. This is available here as a PDF download.

Attachments

Factsheet 7.2 of the BMBF Research Focus Plastics in the Environment.

Joint project

MikroPlaTas

Year

2021

Author

Authors

Sebastian Höss

Marie-Theres Rauchschwalbe

Hendrik Fueser

Walter Traunspurger

Type of Result

factsheets

Citation

Höss, Sebastian; Rauchschwalbe, Marie-Theres; Fueser, Hendrik; Traunspurger, Walter (2021): Microplastics in the aquatic food web: Impact and transfer analysis based on the example of roundworms (nematodes). Fact sheet 7.2 of the BMBF research focus „Plastics in the Environment“.

Tags

Environmental sustainability

Whereabouts

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Umweltproblem Plastikverpackung

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 11:07:11 +0000

Environmental problem: plastic packaging janna.vakili@e… Tue, 11/24/2020 - 12:07

Untertitel

Emergence in Germany and environmental impact

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Beschreibung

Numerous one- to two-person households, an increase in mail-order business as well as the popular "to-go" culture are causing a steady rise in the consumption of plastic packaging in Germany. While approximately 1.8 million tons of plastic were produced per year in 2000, this figure had already risen to 3.1 million tons by 2016. Plastic packaging and the environmental consequences of plastic production and consumption are currently of high importance on the political agenda – yet, increased social awareness of the problem has done little to counter plastic consumption so far.

This article by Doris Knoblauch and Hannes Schritt (both Ecologic Institute) is part of the anthology "Einfach weglassen? Ein wissenschaftliches Lesebuch zur Reduktion von Plastikverpackungen im Lebensmittelhandel" (Simply Omit? A Scientific Reader on the Reduction of Plastic Packaging in the Food Trade). It deals with the emergence of plastic packaging in Germany and its known environmental impacts. The authors demonstrate that there is a close correlation between the amount of plastic packaging produced and the gross domestic product (GDP) - which, interestingly, is stronger than the correlation between GDP and packaging overall. In this context, avoidance strategies and improvement options for the circular economy are discussed.

Furthermore, an overview of input pathways and main input sources of plastic into the environment is given. The state of knowledge on the effects of plastic on the environment and the human body is presented. It becomes clear that there are still research deficits, especially with regard to microplastics.

The publication is available on this website.

Further Links

Ecologic Institute

Link to publication (in German)

ISBN

978-3-96238-243-8

Year

2020

Author

Doris Knoblauch

Hannes Schritt

Authors

Type of Result

(scientific) publications (peer-review, essays, book chapters, poster etc.)

Citation

Knoblauch, Doris; Schritt, Hannes (2020): Umweltproblem Plastikverpackung.Aufkommen in Deutschland und Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt. In: Kröger, Melanie; Pape, Jens; Wittwer, Alexandra (Hrsg.) (2020): Einfach weglassen? Ein wissenschaftliches Lesebuch zur Reduktion von Plastikverpackungen im Lebensmittelhandel. ISBN: 978-3-96238-243-8. Oekom Verlag, München.

Tags

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

Polymer

Recyclate

Recycling

Environmental sustainability

Publikationstyp

59th Tutzing Symposion: Polymers for a better life and circularity (Online Event)

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 14:19:09 +0000

59th Tutzing Symposion: Polymers for a better life and circularity (Online Event) janna.vakili@e… Wed, 11/13/2019 - 15:19

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Beschreibung

Polymers have become an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether as high-performance plastics in aviation and the automotive industry, as functional and construction materials for electric devices, or in everyday objects such as packaging and clothing, polymers can be found everywhere in our modern world.

The 59th Tutzing Symposion is designed to foster exchange and discussion on the topics of public perception, sustainability, recycling as well as advantages and disadvantages of the use of plastics. The focus themes are complemented by ethical views and a look at other materials and their recycling strategies as well as open discussions on the issues and sustainable concepts for the future.

Editorial deadline for the list of participants is 30 September 2021.

Further information can be found on the event's website.

Location

Online

Organiser

DECHEMA

Date

25 - 27 October 2021

25. - 27. Oktober 2021

Further Links

Website of the event

Image Gallery

Tags

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

Packaging

Recycling

Social perception

Environmental sustainability

Date sort

Mon, 10/25/2021 - 12:00

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Aus

Global Bioeconomy Summit 2020 (Online Event)

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 14:06:09 +0000

Global Bioeconomy Summit 2020 (Online Event) janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 15:06

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Beschreibung

The third Global Bioeconomy Summit #GBS2020 will virtually take place in the Berlin Congress 16 to 20 November 2020 with the support of the German government. Since the first summit in Berlin in 2015, the summits have established themselves as a unique format for global exchange on bioeconomy policy, governance and sustainable development.

More information will follow soon on the website of the event.

Location

Berlin, Germany

Organiser

Bioökonomierat

Date

16 - 20 November 2020

16. - 20. November 2020

Further Links

Website der Veranstaltung

Image Gallery

Tags

Governance

Environmental sustainability

Date sort

Mon, 11/16/2020 - 12:00

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Aus

Verschoben: IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 13:55:25 +0000

Postponed: IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 14:55

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Beschreibung

The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is the global event for water professionals covering the entire water cycle. As the Congress rotates through cities and countries each event has an extra emphasis on issues of specific interest to the region. An exact date in September 2022 is yet to be announced.

There will be a strong representation and contribution from Nordic and Baltic Sea countries, making the IWA Congress & Exhibition a vital opportunity to learn about the Nordic water challenges and solutions, including participation in technical site visits.

Important dates:
30 October 2019: Abstracts submission deadline

Super Early Bird Registration deadline extended to 15 January 2021.

Location

Copenhagen, Denmark

Organiser

IWA - International Water Association

Date

01 September 2022

Further Links

Website of the event

Image Gallery

Tags

Surface water

Sea

Limnic systems

Environmental sustainability

Date sort

Thu, 09/01/2022 - 12:00

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The 6th International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (Online Event)

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 13:37:22 +0000

The 6th International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (Online Event) janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 14:37

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Beschreibung

The International Conference on Water Resource and Environment (WRE) is an annually-held conference. It aims to provide a platform for professionals and specialists to present their latest findings, opinions and views, to provide a forum to discuss the latest thinking by some of the leading scholars and experts of the world, to publish the best papers presented and to advance the state of knowledge of water science in the world.

The online WRE 2020 consists of two parts:

publication of papers in the conference proceeding/journals and
presentation of papers by a pre-recorded video or ppt/pdf presentation with audio.

Important dates:
30 November 2019: First Round of Submission Deadline

Registration is possible via the event's website.

Location

Online

Organiser

Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan

I-Shou University

Date

23 - 26 August 2020

23. - 26. August 2020

Further Links

Website of the event

Image Gallery

Tags

Environmental sustainability

Date sort

Sun, 08/23/2020 - 12:00

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14th International Coral Reef Symposium

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 12:47:52 +0000

14th International Coral Reef Symposium janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 13:47

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Beschreibung

ICRS 2021, also known as the 14th International Coral Reef Symposium, is the primary international conference on coral reef science, conservation and management, bringing together leading scientists, early career researchers, conservationists, ocean experts, policy makers, managers and the public.

ICRS 2021 will be the key event to develop science-based solutions addressing the present and future challenges of coral reefs, which are globally exposed to unprecedented anthropogenic pressures. The five-day program will present the latest scientific findings and ideas, provide a platform to build the essential bridges between coral reef science, conservation, politics, management and the public, and will promote public and political outreach.

Due to possible restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will take place online. Please find further information on the event's website.

Location

Online

Organiser

International Coral Reef Society (ICRS)

Date

18 - 23 July 2021

18. - 23. Juli 2021

Further Links

Website of the event

Image Gallery

Tags

Sea

Governance

Environmental sustainability

Participation

Date sort

Sun, 07/18/2021 - 12:00

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5th Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:35:21 +0000

5th Green & Sustainable Chemistry Conference janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 12:35

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Beschreibung

Now in its 5th edition, this high-level conference will address a range of broad topics highlighting the role of chemistry in contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including in developing countries.

The conference aims to provide a multi-disciplinary forum for participants from academia and industry, from authorities and other institutions to address the sustainability challenges we are facing today.

Registration is possible via the event's website. Early booking deadline: 20 March 2020

Location

Dresden, Germany

Organiser

Elsevier Foundation

Date

08 - 11 November 2020

08. - 11. November 2020

Further Links

Website of the event

Image Gallery

Tags

Awareness raising

Optimization process

Environmental sustainability

Date sort

Sun, 11/08/2020 - 12:00

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Neuer Sonderforschungsbereich zu Mikroplastik

Stephan.Guertler — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 09:43:51 +0000

New Collaborative Research Centre on Microplastics Stephan.Guertler Mon, 12/10/2018 - 10:43

Untertitel

University of Bayreuth Intensifies Microplastics Research

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Further Links

Press release of the University of Bayreuth regarding the new Collaborative Res…

Beschreibung

At the University of Bayreuth, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is to establish a new Collaborative Research Centre (CRC). Its purpose is to investigate the biological effects of microplastics in the environment, including its migration and formation.

During the next four years, more than 30 scientists will examine the processes and mechanisms that

cause biological effects of microplastics in limnic and terrestrial ecosystems,
influence migration of the microplastic particles within and between environmental compartments,
cause the formation of microplastics from macroplastics.

The findings should provide a scientifically sound basis for the evaluation of the environmental risks of microplastics. Using the results of the basic research, new environmentally friendly plastics shall be developed, which have no adverse effects on organisms.

CRC 1357: "MICROPLASTICS – Understanding the mechanisms and processes of biological effects, transport and formation: From model to complex systems as a basis for new solutions"

The new Collaborative Research Centre will be headed by Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch, Professor for Animal Ecology at the University of Bayreuth. Prof. Dr. Laforsch also coordinates the joint project PLAWES, that investigates the effects of microplastics on ecosystems in the Weser-Wadden Sea system.

Date

10 December 2018

Tags

Environmental sustainability

Date sort

Mon, 12/10/2018 - 12:00

Bildunterschrift

Poster of the new CRC. Image: Chair of Animal Ecology / University of Bayreuth