Methodology of analyses

QST1: Vergleichsversuch

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:52:50 +0000

Cross-Cutting Topic 1: Analytics and Reference Materials: Comparative test janna.vakili@e… Fri, 02/12/2021 - 10:52

Untertitel

Results

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Beschreibung

This comparative test from cross-cutting topic 1 "Analytics and reference materials" classifies different analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics regarding their informative value and to work out the strengths and limitations of the respective methods. The comparative test was intended to provide the pre-requisites for comparing the analytical results of the individual projects within a given framework. No evaluation of the different analytical methods is intended.

Both thermoanalytical and spectroscopic methods were used. It was shown that the different analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics provide comparable results within the respective procedures.

The results of the comparative test are available here as a PDF download.

Attachments

Cross-Cutting Topic 1: Analytics and Reference Materials: Comparative test

Year

2021

Author

Authors

PD Dr. Natalia Ivleva

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Heinz Sturm

Cordula Witzig

Dr. Nicole Zumbülte

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Methodology of analyses

Analytics

Sampling

Detection

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polymer

Polymer analysis

Raman microspectroscopy

Publikationstyp

Methods for the analysis of submicrometer- and nanoplastic particles in the environment

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 12:42:01 +0000

Methods for the analysis of submicrometer- and nanoplastic particles in the environment janna.vakili@e… Tue, 03/31/2020 - 14:42

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Beschreibung

This paper by Schwaferts et al. addresses methodological gaps that exist in the analysis of microplastics. Specifically, it deals with the analysis of nanoparticles, as they are not covered by common analytical methods.

The authors provide an overview regarding the progress in environmental nanoplastic analysis and critically evaluate which techniques from nanomaterial analysis may potentially be adapted to close the methodological gap.

Furthermore, the paper contains a roadmap for methods covering the entire analysis process from sample treatment to particle characterization which includes:

methods for analyte extraction and preconcentration from various environmental matrices
methods for the separation of the nanoplastic into specific size fractions
light scattering techniques and various types of microscopy to characterize the particle fractions;
chemical identification of particles to validate the obtained data.

The publication is available for download on this website.

Joint project

SubμTrack

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2018.12.014

Magazine

Trends in Analytical Chemistry

Year

2019

Author

Christian Schwaferts

Reinhard Niessner

Martin Elsner

Natalia P. Ivleva

Authors

Type of Result

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

Tags

Methodology of analyses

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Publikation

Portugiesische Webplattform berichtet über das Verbundprojekt EmiStop

KALEH — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 14:06:04 +0000

Portuguese web platform reports on the joint project EmiStop KALEH Mon, 07/15/2019 - 16:06

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Further Links

Canal Ambiental Tech4health

EmiStop

Beschreibung

Plastics have become an integral part of our everyday lives, and cause many environmental impacts. The pollution microplastics is increasingly in focus. First, these tiny particles were discovered in the oceans, then were found in lakes and rivers and eventually the soil. "Plastic particles are everywhere," says Luisa Barkmann , a doctoral student in the area of waste water technology of the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt), in Germany. In his dissertation, she studied the presence of micro-plastics in municipal sewage treatment stations. Now, on his doctorate, she is dedicated to wastewater industry. She looks closely, especially the production companies and plastics processing: in which value chain stages and for which the plastic particles channels enter the environment? And what is the industry's share in the global burden?

As part of the joint project EmiStop, research teams based in Darmstadt are analyzing industrial wastewater to calculate their participation in contamination by micro - plastics. Not an easy task, because even sampling is a challenge, says Luisa Barkmann. For each company, she had to think of an individual strategy, as companies are different not only in their production processes, but also in its channels and water management systems. Many do not know how much wastewater is generated in a given area. And not only in manufacturing but also in particularly microplastic further processing and transfer to the environment.

The full article is available on the Portuguese platform Canal Ambiental Tech4health in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Date

25 September 2018

Tags

Sewage

Methodology of analyses

Date sort

Tue, 09/25/2018 - 12:00

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Aus

Bildergalerie

Microplastics2018

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 04 Dec 2018 10:44:27 +0000

Microplastics2018 linda.mederake… Tue, 12/04/2018 - 11:44

Untertitel

Nano and microplastics in technical and freshwaters systems

Titelbild

diak / Fotolia.com

Beschreibung

Microplastics in technical and natural systems are evident worldwide calling for an in-depth understanding of the implications of these pollutants. Leading scientists studying sources, releases, uptake and toxicity of microplastics alongside with representatives from industry and government did provide context as to how these materials are used today and how they may be regulated in the future.

The conference lasted three days. All presentations were held in plenary sessions and were either talks from invited speakers and presentations selected from the submitted abstracts.

The scientific sessions dealt with the following topics:

Analytical Methods
Sources + Fluxes
Environmental Fate and Functions
(Eco)toxicity and Biota

Location

Congressi Stefano Franscini, Monte Verità, Ascona, Switzerland

Organiser

Bernhard Wehrli, Eawag/ETH Zurich

Denise Mitrano, Eawag

Ralf Kaegi, Eawag

Thilo Hofmann, University of Vienna

Paolo Demaria, Demaria Event Management

Date

28 - 31 October 2018

28. - 31. Oktober 2018

Further Links

Conference website

Image Gallery

Tags

Microplastics

Methodology of analyses

Date sort

Sun, 10/28/2018 - 12:00

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QUASIMEME Workshop on Analysis of Microplastics

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 08:29:58 +0000

QUASIMEME Workshop on Analysis of Microplastics linda.mederake… Tue, 11/27/2018 - 09:29

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Beschreibung

Purpose of the Workshop

Microplastics are currently of utmost importance to the environmental analyst. They are being found in high volumes in the marine and freshwater environment, they are under discussion worldwide and there is an urgent need to analyse them properly. However, analytical methods are far from validation. Hence, for the first time, an open workshop on the analysis of microplastics will be organized. The purpose of this workshop on the analysis of microplastics is to bring the analytical community together to discuss the available methods and how to possibly improve the quality and reliability of the analysis as well as to achieve better harmonization of microplastics data being produced. In particular input will be gathered from the expert analytical community for the design of an interlaboratory study that would meet the needs of the laboratories who are up for the analytical challenge that plastic particles present. An interlaboratory study will be prepared following the workshop (expected in 2019).

For whom?

The workshop is open to everyone and will be beneficial for technicians and scientists working in the field of analysis of microplastics in environmental matrices. Feel free to share this flyer with other people who might be interested.

Location

Amsterdam

Organiser

QUASIMEME, Wageningen

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo

Date

27 - 28 November 2018

27. - 28. November 2018

Further Links

Leaflet with further information

Image Gallery

Tags

Microplastics

Analytics

Methodology of analyses

Date sort

Tue, 11/27/2018 - 12:00

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Diskussionspapier Mikroplastik-Analytik

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 13:03:04 +0000

Discussion Paper: Microplastics Analytics hannes.schritt… Thu, 10/18/2018 - 15:03

Untertitel

Sampling, Preparation and Detection Methods

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Beschreibung

The discussion paper was developed based on the state of the art and the discussions in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions" with the aim of collectiong the physicochemical investigation methods used in the research focus, in particular for the analysis of microplastics. In order to achieve this goal, methods and analytical apporaches were discussed across the joint research projects in order to achieve validated methods and comparable results in the various projects for each specific question. The discussion paper, which is now available for download, reflects the current state the debate within the research focus and is intended to contribute to a pool of methods that is as standardised as possible for the relevant application fields in science, industry and administration.

This first version was published in October 2018. The discussion paper will be updated annually in the course of the research focus.

Attachments

Discussion Paper Mikroplastics Analytics Nov 2018.pdf

Year

2018

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Analytics

Methods development

Methodology of analyses

Publikationstyp

1. Workshop „Probenahme, Probenaufarbeitung und Analytik“

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:59:56 +0000

1. Workshop „Probenahme, Probenaufarbeitung und Analytik“ hannes.schritt… Mon, 07/09/2018 - 16:59

Untertitel

1. Workshop "Sampling, Sample Preparation and Analytic"

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Beschreibung

Around 50 scientists from 12 collaborative projects of the research focus on plastics in the environment met for a first exchange on sampling, sample preparation and analysis of microplastics at the Water Technology Center (TZW) in Karlsruhe. The workshop, organized by TZW and the Ecologic Institute, aimed to coordinate and learn from each other the many difficulties in identifying and quantifying microplastics from water or soil samples.

The workshop marked the beginning of the cross-cutting theme of sampling, sample preparation and analytics, which is one of the current five cross-cutting themes within the research field of “Plastics in the Environment”. In the cross-cutting issue, many scientists will network with each other over the next three years and significantly advance the development of methods for identifying and quantifying microplastics in the environment.

In the workshop, led by Prof. Dr. Martin Jekel, both the methods already used in the MiWa project and the previous approaches of the twelve joint projects were presented and discussed together. The particular difficulties in identifying and quantifying microplastics became apparent in the two days. Harmonization and comparability of the methods is sought by all participants. The workshop was a successful prelude to productive cooperation over the coming months and years.

Location

Karlsruhe

Date

21 March 2018

Event type

Research Focus Event

Image Gallery

Tags

Analytics

Methodology of analyses

Date sort

Tue, 03/20/2018 - 12:00

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Workshop „Probenahme, Probenaufarbeitung und Analytik von Mikroplastik“

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 10:59:11 +0000

Workshop on Sampling, Sample Preparation and Analysis of Microplastics hannes.schritt… Sat, 03/24/2018 - 11:59

Untertitel

21th to 22nd of March 2018

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Attachments

Workshop-Agenda

Beschreibung

Date

21 March 2018

Tags

Methodology of analyses

Raman microspectroscopy

Microplastics

Sewage

Surface water

Date sort

Wed, 03/21/2018 - 12:00

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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

EmiStop

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 16:41:32 +0000

EmiStop KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 17:41

Identification of Industrial Plastic Emissions by Means of Innovative Detection Methods and Technology Development to Prevent the Input into the Environment via the Wastewater Pathway

This project systematically detected emissions of plastics into wastewater from relevant industries. Emissions levels were analysed along all points of the value chain (production, transport, processing, and cleaning of synthetic materials).

The goal was to select wastewater treatment technologies that optimise the reduction of emissions of plastics for the respective value chain. The project evaluated existing technologies for separating particles, investigated deposition rates, and developed approaches for technical optimisation. Optimisation also includes technological developments such as flocculants. Researchers conducted tests in both laboratory and pilot project settings – selected large scale technical wastewater treatment plants were investigated at industrial facilities.

Due to the existing analytical uncertainties, the following detection methods were used to evaluate the existing and developed technologies:

Dynamic differential calometry for qualification and quantification (concentrations)
Raman spectroscopy for qualification and quantification (particle numbers)
Correlations of the plastic concentrations to routine water chemical analyses (for a retrospective estimation of the plastic loads)
Tracer test with magnetic plastic particles (simple and reliable quantification in large dilutions) for balancing in laboratory and pilot tests

Apart from the technical aspects, the focus of this project was also on socio-economic aspects. Thus, measures to prevent economic losses and retain value were reviewed together with the associated industrial enterprises and evaluated with partners from the scientific community and other interest groups.

Main areas of work

Standardisation of sampling and sample preparation for industrial wastewater (in alignment with Plastik-Net and other joint research projects)
Quantitative and qualitative measurement of plastic concentrations in industrial wastewater using Raman spectroscopy and dynamic differential calorimetry
Extended data collection at the sampled industrial waste water treatment plants for the derivation of the plastic loads and testing of a correlation between the measurement results and routine water chemical analyses
Development of magnetic plastic particles in the micrometre range with the physical properties of relevant types of plastic
Development of a tracer test with magnetic plastic particles
Assessment of technologies for particle separation with regard to the retention of (micro-) plastic particles
Optimisation of particle separation technologies
Development of flocculants for the targeted improvement of the retention of individual types of plastics and their mixtures
Delphi surveys of industry and sector associations as well as of politics and science to identify perceived risks and obstacles as well as opportunities and the willingness to participate
Multi-criteria analysis for the development of weighted, ecological and socio-economic criteria for the sustainability assessment of the project results

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Development of analytical methods for plastic particles

Contact persons
Prof. Dr. Jutta Kerpen, RheinMain University, Institute for Environmental and Process Engineering, Department of Wastewater Treatment, Am Brückweg 26, 65428 Rüsselsheim, e-mail: jutta.kerpen@hs-rm.de

Prof. Dr. Susanne Lackner, Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute IWAR, Department of Wastewater Engineering, Franziska-Braun-Straße 7, 64287 Darmstadt, e-mail: s.lackner@iwar.tu-darmstadt.de

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Engelhart, Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute IWAR, Department of Wastewater Technology, Franziska-Braun-Straße 7, 64287 Darmstadt, e-mail: m.engelhart@iwar.tudarmstadt.de

Project partner
EnviroChemie

Short description
A routinely applicable sampling and sample preparation procedure were developed in order to create a uniform and comparable database for industrial wastewater. For the subsequent qualification and quantification of microplastics in (industrial) wastewater samples, the methods of dynamic differential calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy were adapted to industrial wastewater. The respective analysis results were compared with standardised routine measurements and operational self-analysis to determine correlations.

WP 2 Tracer test

Contact persons
Prof. Dr. Susanne Lackner, Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute IWAR, Department of Wastewater Engineering, Franziska-Braun-Straße 7, 64287 Darmstadt, e-mail: s.lackner@iwar.tu-darmstadt.de

Dr. Kyriakos Eslahian, BS-Partikel GmbH, Nestléstr. 41, 55120 Mainz, e-mail: eslahian@bs-partikel.de

Short description
In order to balance individual process technologies for plastic particle retention in real water matrices, a method for the quantification of magnetic plastic particles by means of magnetic susceptibility scales was established. For this purpose, particles in the size range from 1 μm to 300 μm were synthesised with the greatest possible magnetic susceptibility, which imitate the morphologies and chemical properties of environmental plastic particles.

Furthermore, a continuous method for the production of these particles was established in order to ensure the best possible reproducibility and scalability for subsequent applications.

WP 3 Identification of industrial entry points

Prof. Dr. Susanne Lackner, Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute IWAR, Department of Wastewater Engineering, Franziska-Braun-Straße 7, 64287 Darmstadt, e-mail: s.lackner@iwar.tu-darmstadt.de

Project partner
EnviroChemie, inter 3

Short description
The entry points of microplastics from industrial wastewater into surface waters were determined by uniform characterisation and quantification of the plastic emissions of individual industrial plants. The evaluation of plastic emissions on the basis of mass flows, variations and production information with key figure system and balance tools, hotspots and temporal variations of the particle input were identified.

WP 4 Balancing of technical systems

Contact persons

Dr.-Ing. Eva Bitter, EnviroChemie GmbH, F&E, In den Leppsteinswiesen 9, 64380 Rossdorf, e-mail: eva.bitter@envirochemie.com

Project partner

TU-AW, inter3, HSRM

Short description
In laboratory and pilot tests, various process techniques (filtration in various filter units such as membrane plants, double-layer filters, cloth filters; flocculation in combination with filtration, flotation or sedimentation) were evaluated with regard to plastic particle removal. For this purpose, the tracer particles developed in WP 2 were used, which enable the use of synthetic and real industrial waste water. Furthermore, the existing industrial process technology was evaluated at different industrial sites and optimised with regard to the separation of plastic particles.

WP 5 Optimisation of plastic retention

Contact persons
Dr.-Ing. Eva Bitter, EnviroChemie GmbH, F&E, In den Leppsteinswiesen 9, 64380 Rossdorf, e-mail: eva.bitter@envirochemie.com

Project partner
TU-AW

Short description
Based on the results of WP 4, the pilot plants were adapted by specific design changes (e.g. flow control, sludge removal, conveyor technology) and the success of these optimisations was evaluated in further balancing experiments. For the industries considered, in addition to constructive optimisation of process engineering, production-integrated measures to reduce plastic emissions were derived. The production information collected in WP 3 served as the basis for this.

WP 6 Development of flocculants for plastics sorts

Contact persons
Dr.-Ing. Eva Bitter, EnviroChemie GmbH, F&E, In den Leppsteinswiesen 9, 64380 Rossdorf, e-mail: eva.bitter@envirochemie.com

Project partner
TU-AT, TU-AW

Short description
In experiments with beakers, individual polymers for the targeted flocculation of particles of different types of plastic in the size range from 10 to 300 μm were tested. The results were then used to test specific blends of polymers to produce the most stable flakes of particles of individual plastic types. With these results, the tests and developments were extended to mixtures of different types of plastics.

The laboratory test results were then supplemented by pilot tests using tracer particles developed in WP 2.

WP 7 Risk and potential analysis

Contact person
Dipl.-Ing. Wolf Raber, inter 3 GmbH - Institute for Resource Management, Otto-Suhr-Allee 59, 10585 Berlin, e-mail: raber@inter3.de

Project partner
TU-AT, TU-AW, EnviroChemie, HSRM, BS-Partikel

Short description
To maximise the broad application of the EmiStop optimisation approaches and avoidance strategies, the risks and potentials were identified from the perspective of the key actors, evaluated and fed into the project at an early degree of technology maturity. Furthermore, an expert-supported set of sociopolitical, economic, and ecological evaluation criteria and a meaningful set of indicators were derived in order to analyse and evaluate the multicriterial optimisation approaches and avoidance strategies and in a next step measures for implementation and diffusion.

WP 8 Management and communication

Contact persons
Dr.-Ing. Eva Bitter, EnviroChemie GmbH, F&E, In den Leppsteinswiesen 9, 64380 Rossdorf, e-mail: eva.bitter@envirochemie.com Dr. Anja Steglich, inter 3 GmbH - Institute for Resource Management, 10585 Berlin, e-mail: steglich@inter3.de

Project partner
TU-AT, TU-AW, HSRM, BS-Partikel

Short description
In order to disseminate and implement the project results, industrial companies were actively involved and dialogue is carried out with experts from relevant industry associations (e.g. PlasticsEurope e.V., IK Industrievereinigung Plastikverpackungen e.V., GKV Gesamtverband Plastikverarbeitende Industrie e.V.). The collaboration was commissioned to a) develop the results into a consensual overall perspective, b) prepare these into action-oriented and implementable guidelines and c) make them available via established channels and multipliers, e.g. the Responsible Care Initiative of the chemical industry.

Coordinator

Dr.-Ing. Eva Bitter
EnviroChemie GmbH
In den Leppsteinswiesen 9
64380 Rossdorf
Phone: +49 6154-6998-57
e-mail: eva.bitter@envirochemie.com

Website

http://www.emistop.de/page8.html

Partner Institutions

Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute IWAR, Department of Wastewater Engineering

Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute IWAR, Department of Wastewater Technology

RheinMain University, Institute for Environmental and Process Engineering / HSRM

inter 3 GmbH-Institute for Resource Management

BS-Partikel GmbH

Duration Period

January 2018