Fibres

Tackling microplastics in the environment - evidence-based policy recommendations on pellet loss, tire abrasion, fibres, and paints

KALEH — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:21:39 +0000

Tackling microplastics in the environment - evidence-based policy recommendations on textile fibres, tire abrasion, and pellet loss KALEH Tue, 12/20/2022 - 14:21

Untertitel

09 March 2023, 09:00-15:00 CET | Brussels

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The event brought together around 70 scientists, representatives from the EU institutions, as well as stakeholders from civil society and businesses to discuss the non-intentional release of microplastics into the environment.

RD Dr. Martin Dubiel (Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union) opened the event and gave the introductory words of welcome. The welcome address was given by Dr. Frieder Kettemann from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. R. Andreas Kraemer, who moderated the event, gave a short overview on the current political framework regarding plastics and recent developments at different political levels.

In the introductory talk, Werner Bosmans (DG Environment) outlined the political mandate for (micro)plastics regulation at EU level, the relevant sources of the non-intentional release of microplastics into the environment and the existing regulatory framework for microplastics at the EU level. During the Q&A subsequently to the presentation, Mr. Bosmans emphasized that there is a lot more research needed with regards to sampling methodologies to gather information on the presence of microplastics in soils across the EU as well as how this could be monitored at member state level.

The first session addressed the issue of tire abrasion with presentations from Mag. Dr. Romana Hornek-Gausterer (Environment Agency Austria) and Prof. Dr. Ing. Matthias Barjenbruch (Technical University Berlin). Ms. Hornek-Gausterer focused on additives used in tires, more specifically on para-substituted phenylenediamines (PPDs). She concluded that environmental monitoring is needed to understand which substances/products are of concern and to learn about the occurrence, transport/fate and behavior in the environment for such particles and substances. Prof. Barjenbruch presented results from the RAU project on tire abrasion and suggested measures to reduce the entry of tire particles into the aquatic environment.

In the second session on textiles fibres, Dr. Korinna Altmann (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, RUSEKU project) explained the results of washing machine tests with regard to the release of textile fibres from clothes such as shirts during typical washing processes with a household washing machine. The second presentation, held by Nicklas Gustavsson (Ramboll), dealt with geotextiles which are, for instance, used in road construction or for erosion control. Mr. Gustavsson highlighted the major research gaps that exist regarding the use of geotextiles and the potential discharge of microplastics during the use phase or while removing geotextiles from the environment.

The third session started with a presentation of Felix Weber (RheinMain University of Applied Sciences) and Luisa Barkmann-Metaj (Technical University of Darmstadt) who presented results from the EmiStop project on industrial microplastic and pellet loss. The two researchers presented their findings on industrial microplastic emissions at industrial sites and possible reduction measures. Afterwards, the presentation by Dr. Ulrike Braun (German Environment Agency [UBA]) and Dr. Nizar Benismail (Nestlé Quality Assurance Center Vittel) introduced the work of the joint ISO working group on microplastics of which both are active members. A challenge in the standardization work is the harmonization of standards that are currently developed in several different working groups.

In the last session, Dr. Saskia Ziemann (Project Management Agency Karlsruhe) presented the key messages from the German research focus “Plastics in the Environment”, while Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch (University of Bayreuth) indicated future research needs that will – at least partially – be tackled by the Collaborative Research Centre 1357 Microplastics.

The event “Tackling microplastics in the environment” did take place on 9th March 2023 in the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union in Brussels and was organized jointly by Ecologic Institute for the research focus “Plastics in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions” of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Collaborative Research Centre 1357 Microplastics at the University of Bayreuth and the Interest Group Plastics of the EPA network.

Presentations (videos and presentation slides)

Werner Bosmans (European Commission, DG Environment)
Current EU initiatives to prevent microplastics in the environment, Presentation slides

Mag. Dr. Romana Hornek-Gausterer, (Environment Agency Austria)
Tire wear and substances of concern, Presentation slides

Prof. Dr. Ing. Matthias Barjenbruch (Technical University Berlin, Germany)
Measures to reduce the input of tire material into the environment, Presentation slides

Dr. Korinna Altmann (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Germany)
Release of synthetic fibres during washing of typical household textiles: Findings from washing machine tests and resulting policy recommendations, Presentation slides

Nicklas Gustavsson (Ramboll, Sweden)
Geotextiles as a source of microplastics, Presentation slides

Luisa Barkmann-Metaj (Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany)
Felix Weber (RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Germany)
Industrial microplastic and pellet loss: status quo and possible reduction measures, Presentation slides

Dr. Ulrike Braun (German Environment Agency [UBA])
Nizar Benismail (Nestlé Quality Assurance Center Vittel, France)
Legal regulation and standardisation of methods to investigate microplastics in the environment, Presentation slides

Dr. Saskia Ziemann (Project Management Agency Karlsruhe, Germany)
Key Messages of the BMBF Research Focus “Plastics in the Environment”, Presentation slides

Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch (University Bayreuth, Germany)
Key Messages of the Collaborative Research Centre 1357 “Microplastics", Presentation slides

Location

Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the European Union, Rue Wiertz 77, 1000 Brussels

Date

09 March 2023

Event type

Research Focus Event

Attachments

Agenda

Information about the Speakers

Image Gallery

Tags

Microplastics

Analytics

Tire particles

Tire wear

Date sort

Thu, 03/09/2023 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Ergebnistyp

Further products

Fachkonferenz TextileMission

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 12:53:29 +0000

TextileMission: Expert Conference linda.mederake… Wed, 07/04/2018 - 14:53

Untertitel

Experts point out promising solutions

Titelbild

Further Links

detailed report on the conference

Beschreibung

What do we know about the extent of environmental pollution caused by microplastics? What role do synthetic textiles play in this? And how can the input of textile microplastics into the environment be sustainably reduced? These and other questions were the focus of a conference on 17 May 2018 at the Hotel Dietrich Bonhoeffer Haus in Berlin, which was organised by partner organisations of the joint project "TextileMission".

The aim of the event was to present the BMBF-funded project "TextileMission" to a selected expert audience, to discuss possible solutions and to offer an exchange platform for representatives from industry, research, politics and NGOs. The main issues to be discussed were:

- Microplastics in the environment - status quo of research
- Biobased plastics and biodegradability of fibre materials
- Potentials of textile technology research
- Filtering of microplastics in sewage treatment plants

Date

17 May 2018

Tags

Date sort

Thu, 05/17/2018 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

PLAWES

KALEH — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:29:04 +0000

PLAWES KALEH Wed, 12/20/2017 - 10:29

Microplastic Contamination in the Weser- Wadden Sea – National Park Model System: an Ecosystem-Wide Approach

In PLAWES, the modelling system of the German national park Weser-Wadden Sea was the first large European river basin that was investigated in detail regarding its microplastic pollution. PLAWES conducted a pioneering study of the microplastic contamination from the headwaters to the North Sea (northern Atlantic Ocean) that comprised an interdisciplinary and integrated ecosystem approach and accounted for various point sources (wastewater treatment plants, separation systems) and diffuse sources (drainage, atmosphere) of pollution. The results were integrated into a model for identifying primary transport mechanisms and accumulation zones. The research investigated the effects of microplastics on ecosystems in the Weser-Wadden Sea system by analysing the interaction of microplastic with pathogens in biofilm and aquatic invertebrates. Outcomes of this particularly ecologically relevant aspects were used to estimate the environmental risk of microplastics for the model system, and subsequently made it transferable to other systems. In addition, the results of the analysis became part of new teaching materials in order to provide a knowledge platform for teachers, students, and parents across Europe. PLAWES generated unique data about the effects of microplastics on a large European river basin and its environment. This is significant not only for policymakers and stakeholders but also as a fundament for science-based solutions to address the microplastics problem.

Main areas of work

Microplastics in the Weser-Wadden Sea
Model-based balancing of diffuse and point sources of microplastic entries
Interaction of microplastics with pathogens and biota
Training measures to raise awareness of plastic waste

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 0 Management, communication and dissemination

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, e-mail: christian.laforsch@uni-bayreuth.de

Project partner
AWI

Short description
WP 0 ensured the targeted and efficient support of the consortium with regard to project management, communication and dissemination. WP 0 coordinated both the public relations work and the exploitation of the results achieved. WP 0 continued to coordinate the cooperation of all project partners and was therefore in close contact with all project partners. WP 0 coordinated the harmonisation with the joint research project MicroCatch_Balt with regard to sampling and processing, modelling, public relations, and data storage as well as communication with the other projects.

WP 1 Microplastics in the Weser-Wadden Sea model system

Contact person
Dr. Gunnar Gerdts, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, e-mail: gunnar.gerdts@awi.de

Project partner
UBT, UOld

Short description
The aim of WP 1 was to investigate the entire Weser river system into coastal waters with regard to microplastic pollution. The final determination of the exact sampling points was carried out taking into account the real data required for RAUMISmGROWA- MePhos and "Tidal Model" (WP 3). The entire Weser including the Lower Weser and the Wadden Sea was investigated with regard to exposure to microplastic. Two campaigns were carried out at different seasons with different water conditions on the Weser.

WP 2 Entry points – point sources and diffuse entry

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Andreas Held, University of Bayreuth, BayCEER; second affiliation: Technical University of Berlin, Department of Environmental Chemistry and Air Pollution Control, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, e-mail: held@tu-berlin.de

Project partner
AWI

Short description
The aim of WP 2 was an exemplary consideration of the input paths for microplastics by investigation of important point sources such as wastewater treatment plants and separation water sewer systems as well as the diffuse input from drains and atmosphere. For this purpose, selected sampling points in the Weser river basin were characterised taking into account different landscape areas and land use types. The focus lay on quantifying the entry points of microplastics. Sampling was synchronised with the campaigns at the Weser.

WP 3 Model-based accounting of diffuse and point-shaped MP entries

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Frank Wendland, Jülich Research Centre IBG-3, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, e-mail: f.wendland@fz-juelich.de

Project partner
TI, NLWKN

Short description
The aim was a spatially resolved quantification of the microplastic emissions from diffuse and point sources and the identification of spatial load centres and accumulation zones within the river basin and estuary. The microplastic entries were modelled from different types of diffuse entry points and point sources. The work was based on the models mGROWA, MEPhos, RAUMIS, as well as a transport modelling considering the estuarine hydro- and sediment dynamics. Within the framework of the project, the model chain was improved in a targeted manner according to microplastic entry modelling in the inland and the further distribution of the microplastics in the lower reaches, estuary and apron.

WP 4 Interaction of microplastic with pathogens and biota

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Jörg Oehlmann, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, e-mail: oehlmann@bio.uni-frankfurt.de

Project partner
AWI, UBT, UOld

Short description
In WP 4, the ecosystem effects of microplastic on the Weser-Wadden Sea model system were described on the basis of the two ecologically relevant aspects "Interaction with pathogens and antimicrobial resistance" and "Interaction with aquatic invertebrates".

Interaction with pathogens and antimicrobial resistance: Since biofilms are sites of increased genetic exchange and increased antimicrobial resistance occurs below wastewater treatment plants, plastics could not only contribute to the dispersion of pathogenic organisms, but also of resistance genes. The consequences of such a transfer were previously unknown. AWI therefore used molecular microbial source tracking techniques (DNA/RNA arrays for the detection of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, protozoa and virulence/resistance genes) to investigate plastic samples from the Weser region. Interaction with aquatic invertebrates: In order to generate exposure data, different mollusk species were applied in situ in the Weser, the tidal area and the Wadden Sea. Absorbed microplastic was examined in the digestive tract and in tissue samples and confirmed in parallel by pyrolysis-GC-MS and spectroscopic methods. Historical mussel samples (since 1986) from the Federal Environmental Specimen Bank (UBA) were examined using pyrolysis-GC-MS. The chronic toxicity of microplastic is characterised in laboratory experiments with mussels and worms. Different polymers were conditioned in situ and toxicologically characterised in chronic exposure experiments.

WP 5 Training measures to raise awareness of plastic waste

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Franz X. Bogner, University of Bayreuth, Didactics of Biology, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, e-mail: franz.bogner@uni-bayreuth.de

Project partner
AWI, UOld

Short description
In addition to the ethical assessment skills of students, WP 5 incorporated existing individual environmental knowledge. Innovative teaching materials with a sound reference to everyday life were evaluated for a holistic understanding regarding the burden of plastics in the model system and disseminated via an Internet teaching/learning portal. Within the work package, UBT provided a handbook for teachers and "public relations workers".

Coordinator

Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch
University of Bayreuth
Chair of Animal Ecology I / UBT
Universitätsstraße 30
95447 Bayreuth
Phone: +49 921 / 55-2651
e-mail: christian.laforsch@uni-bayreuth.de

Dr. Gunnar Gerdts
Alfred Wegener Institute
Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)
Kurpromenade
27498 Helgoland
Phone: +49 4725 / 819-3245
e-mail: gunnar.gerdts@awi.de

Website

http://www.bayceer.uni-bayreuth.de/PLAWES/en/

Partner Institutions

Coast Research Centre at the Lower Saxony State Enterprise for Water Management, Coastal Protection and Nature Conservation / NLWKN

Jülich Research Centre / FZJ

Goethe University Frankfurt / GU

Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute - Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries / TI-LR

Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Sea / UOld

Duration Period

September 2017

April 2021

Tags

Sewage

Methodology of analyses

Information and teaching materials

Infrared

Infraref spectroscopy

Sewage treatment plant

Sewage sludge

Municipality

Communication strategy

Combined sewar overflows

Prevention of plastics

Polyamide (PA)

Polyester

Polyethylene (PE)

High density polyethylene PE-HD

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

sampling

Sample purification

Pyrolysis GC

Raman microspectroscopy

Environmental sustainability

Scanning electron microscopy

Plasticiser

Project sheet

18_Projektblatt_PLAWES_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

SubμTrack

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:21:00 +0000

SubμTrack KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 16:21

Tracking of (Sub)Microplastics of Different Identities - Innovative Analysis Tools for Toxicological and Process-engineering Evaluation

The methods currently available for the analysis of microplastics in environmental matrices were primarily designed for particles in the size range of 1 μm to 5 mm. Smaller particles below 1 μm were hardly detected. However in contrast to larger particles, these are able to enter cells and have a higher potential for adsorption of pollutants due to their relatively larger surface. SubμTrack focuses on plastic particles between 50 nm and 100 μm, because of their higher ecotoxicological relevance. For this purpose, the previously available detection range was extended and new methods for sampling, sample preparation, and analysis were developed. Another focus of the project were the possible effects of submicroplastic particles on the aquatic environment and on human health. The results of these studies were complemented by an assessment of the social, political and legal dimensions of plastic emission into the environment. By analysing the perception of the problem and possible strategies for action, foundations were laid for active processes of social change. The results were also examined regarding to their implementation in legislation, standardisation, and their relevance for voluntary actions.

Main areas of work

Characterisation of particles and comparison with reference materials
Impact on the aquatic environment and human health
Social, political and legal dimensions of plastic emission into the environment

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 0 Organisation, coordination and public relations

Contact persons
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg E. Drewes, Technical University of Munich, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, e-mail: j.drewes@tum.de

Project partner
TUM-IWC, TUM-LTI, TUM-LAS, TUM-MCTS, IGOE, LfU, UBA, IUTA, Postnova Analytics GmbH, BS-Partikel GmbH

Short description
In addition to the coordination of results and products within the consortium, WP 0 also included the coordination of activities with partners outside the project. The goal was the sustainable implementation of the analytical techniques, the results and the instructions for action of harmonised strategies in close cooperation with national and international key institutions. The public relations work was mainly coordinated by TUM-SWW and effectively implemented by partners of different orientations.

WP 1 Selection and production of reference particles

Contact persons
Dr. Carmen Nickel, Dr. Jochen Türk, Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology e. V. (IUTA), Bliersheimer Str. 58- 60, 47229 Duisburg, e-mail: nickel@iuta.de; tuerk@iuta.de

Project partner
LfU, BS-Partikel GmbH

Short description
Together with the partners of BS-Partikel and the leaders of the experimental WPs 2 – 5 the required reference particles were identified. In particular, the size, material, marking and the availability of the particles played an important role. The reference particles were selected during the initial phase of the project in order to have enough time to fabricate or purchase the particles at the beginning of the experiments. The project partners BS-Partikel and IUTA then provided the corresponding particles.

WP 2 Comprehensive analysis of microplastic particles

Contact persons
Prof. Dr. Martin Elsner, Dr. Natalia P. Ivleva, Technical University of Munich, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Institute of Hydrochemistry, Marchionistrasse 17, 81377 Munich, e-mail: natalia.ivleva@ch.tum.de

Project partner
Postnova Analytics GmbH, BS-Partikel GmbH, TUMSWW, TUM-LTI, LfU, IUTA

Short description
Innovative and proven analytical detection methods (including sampling, preparation, identification and quantification) for microplastics (1 μm – 5 mm) were determined and tested with reference materials in the submicron range. The most successful techniques of the MiWa project running since 2016 serve as a starting point for this; standard methods from this project were integrated and compared. Direct contact to actors of the MiWa project was guaranteed by partners of the consortium (TUM-IWC and UBA).

WP 3 Studies on aging, adsorption and desorption of organic trace substances on reference particles

Contact persons
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg E. Drewes, Technische Universität München, Lehrstuhl für Siedlungswasserwirtschaft, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, e-mail: j.drewes@tum.de

Project partner
LfU

Short description
The particles used in the method validation are subjected to systematic aging processes and biofilm growth. Furthermore, these particles and especially their (resulting) different surfaces were examined regarding their adsorption or desorption characteristics of organic molecules. For this analysis, adsorption and desorption kinetics, among other things, were investigated. This was done by applying TD-(Pyrolysis)-GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. Experiments with the aged particles were carried out in so-called batch approaches, but also in laboratory wastewater treatment plants operated at the LfU. All samples were also stored in the biological systems of WP 5 if required.

WP 4 Investigations on entry points and process-related evaluation

Contact person
Dr. Korbinian Freier, Bavarian State Office for the Environment, Demollstraße 31, 82407 Wielenbach, e-mail:korbinian.freier@lfu.bayern.de

Project partner
TUM-SWW, IUTA

Short description
Using the methods developed and validated in WP 2, real scenarios were first simulated with reference particles in laboratory wastewater treatment plants at the partner LfU to analyse the fate of the particles within the system. Parallel to this, investigations were carried out at various measuring points in real wastewater treatment plants. Water samples were certified by IUTA for micropollutants. The aim was to extend the existing sampling technologies to micropollutants. Finally, together with the other partners of the project and based on the expected results, a process-related evaluation was carried out.

WP 5 Impact on aquatic environment and human health

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Michael Pfaffl, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, 85354 Freising, e-mail: michael.pfaffl@wzw.tum.de

Project partner
TAM-LAS, IGOE

Short description
Potential negative effects of submicroparticles on different biological organisational levels were investigated and compared to obtain a comprehensive ecotoxicological evaluation. This includes the use of model systems in vivo to determine effects on microbial diversity, communities and trophic structures and functions as well as to identify stress reactions on a higher organismic level. In vitro models extended this approach for the determination of effects on the cellular and molecular level. Based on this a mechanistic understanding of particle-induced stress reactions was created and potential effects on human health were derived.

WP 6 Social, political and legal dimensions

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller, Technical University of Munich, Assistant Professorship of Science and Technology Policy, Augustenstraße 46, 80333 Munich, e-mail: ruth.mueller@tum.de

Project partner
UBA

Short description
At TUM-MCTS current problem perceptions and coping strategies in society and politics with regard to plastic particles in the environment were analysed by means of qualitative social scientific methods. The focus lay on the perception of the specific ecotoxicological relevance of submicroparticles. UBA carried out a screening of the relevant legal acts at national, European and intercontinental levels. The consideration goes beyond the pure media reference (water, soil and air) and the associated possible transport paths. In particular, the legally undefined range between nano- (limit: 100 nm) and microplastics (frequently stated limit: 1 μm) is of primary interest.

Coordinator

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg E. Drewes
Technical University of Munich,
Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering / TUM-SWW
Am Coulombwall 3
85748 Garching
Phone: +49 89 2891 3701 bzw. -3718
e-mail: jdrewes@tum.de

Website

https://www.wasser.tum.de/en/ submuetrack/startseite/

Partner Institutions

Technical University of Munich

Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry / TUM-IWC

Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology/ TUM-LTI

Chair of Aquatic Systems Biology / TUM-LAS

Assistant Professorship of Science and Technology Policy / TUM-MCTS

Helmholtz Centre Munich, Institute of Groundwater Ecology / IGOE

Bavarian State Office for the Environment / LfU

Federal Environmental Agency / UBA

Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology e. V. / IUTA