Degradation

MicBin

KALEH — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:13:16 +0000

MicBin KALEH Wed, 12/20/2017 - 10:13

Microplastics in Inland Waters – Investigation and Modeling of Entries and Whereabouts in the Danube Area as a Basis for Action Planning

Within the framework of this project, a first-ever accounting of macro-, meso- and microplastics released into the German part of the Danube river basin was achieved, with measuring stations at its main tributaries. Microplastic particles (particles < 5 mm) were examined by using various, complementary analytical methods. The focus lay on specifically small particles that are invisible to the naked eye with diameters less than 300 μm as there is currently a distinct lack of data about these particles. This project mapped the sources, sinks, transport processes and fragmentation of plastics in separate material flow models for micro- and macroplastics. Targeted, standardised sampling and supplementary laboratory experiments are clarifying the relevance of previously neglected input paths such as agricultural land or atmospheric deposition. Results were implemented into existing models, the models were validated and a plastic balance for the German Danube watershed was prepared. Through scenario analyses, it was possible to identify measures to reduce plastic pollution at the level of entire river basins.

Main areas of work

Entry balancing of macro-, meso- and particularly microplastic in the German Danube river basin through uniform sampling campaigns, modelling and supplementary laboratory tests
Balancing of previously unconsidered sources and sinks, such as the input of plastic by agriculture, atmospheric deposition of microplastic and degradation processes of plastics in the environment
Derivation of minimisation strategies

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Coordination

Contact person
Dr. Nicole Zumbülte, TZW: DVGW Water Technology Centre, Analysis and Water Quality department, Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, e-mail: nicole.zumbuelte@tzw.de

Project partner

UOS, UniA, BfG, THK, LfU, BKV

Short description
The TZW was responsible for the scientific and general internal coordination within the project, ensured the exchange of information between the internal and external partners and research networks. This included the organisation of sampling campaigns and sample distribution to the individual partners, the coordination of sample analysis, the organisation of project meetings for exchange between the partners and the maintenance of scientific exchange with other projects at national and international levels.

WP 2 Analysis of plastics in environmental samples

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ternes, German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, e-mail: ternes@bafg.de

Project partner
LfU, TZW, UOS

Short description
In this work package, the samples from WP 3 and WP 4 were analysed using three complementary methods. Starting from a high sample volume, these were pre-selected in advance by BfG using an effective screening procedure (low sample preparation effort, sample analysis using pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry). Samples with contents above a threshold value to be defined were subjected to a much more complex and precise analysis using Raman (TZW) and IR spectroscopy (LfU). These processes provided detailed information on particle properties (concentration, size, polymer type, and shape).

WP 3 Identification of entries / sources

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

Project partner
THK, BKV, UOS

Short description
The first step in mass balancing of the selective and diffuse input of microplastics requires a characterisation of all potential sources. The aim of WP 3 was therefore to investigate and quantify entries from points and areas in limnic systems. The results were incorporated in WP 5. The focus was on atmospheric deposition, linear inputs in connection with littering, wastewater treatment plants, landfill leachates, and the weathering of plastics.

WP 4 Transport, distribution and fate: Process understanding of water, soil, air

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ternes, German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, e-mail: ternes@bafg.de

Project partner
BKV, LfU, UniA, TZW, UOS, THK

Short description
In addition to sinks such as hydroelectric power plants, this WP looked at transport and relocation processes of microplastics and possible intermediate reservoirs for microplastics such as soils or water sections with low flow. In addition, degradation and comminution processes of plastics were investigated in laboratory experiments. Sinks or reservoirs for microplastics were identified by coordinated sampling in the water body and mass balancing of a water body section. The results of WP 4 were incorporated into the models of WP 5.

WP 5 Drawing up balance sheets by modelling and deriving measures

Contact person
Dr. Jörg Klasmeier, Osnabrück University, Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Barbarastraße 12, 49078 Osnabrück, e-mail: jklasmei@uos.de

Project partner
LfU, UniA, BKV, TZW

Short description
Entries in water bodies were accounted for considering the various sources and sinks and allowing for an estimation of the total freight in the Danube River System. Process-oriented small to medium scale models for microplastic (UniA, UOS) and supraregional models for micro-, meso- and macroplastic (BKV) were fed with the experimental data and existing data on wastewater treatment plants (LfU, UOS) obtained in the various work packages. From the results of all work packages, a summary evaluation of the sources and sinks with recommendations for measures to reduce water pollution was carried out.

WP 6 Communication

Contact person
Dr. Nicole Zumbülte, TZW: DVGW Water Technology Centre, Analysis and Water Quality Department, Karlsruher Straße 84, 76139 Karlsruhe, e-mail: nicole.zumbuelte@tzw.de

Project partner
LfU, THK

Short description
The MicBin project homepage informs about project contents, actions and results. In addition, a short film was produced and made available to the public. The public was made aware of this issue through a waste collection campaign on the water and participation in the German Sustainability Action Days (DAN). Stakeholders from research, authorities and industry was informed and involved in workshops.

Case Studies

The MicBin project focused on balancing the input of macro-, meso- and particularly microplastics for the German Danube river basin with measurement campaigns at the main Danube tributaries. Among other things, agricultural entries as well as transport and relocation processes were also taken into account.

Coordinator

Dr. Nicole Zumbülte
DVGW Deutscher Verein des Gasund Wasserfaches e. V. – Technischwissenschaftlicher Verein – Bonn
TZW: DVGW-Water Technology Centre, Analysis and Water Quality Department
Karlsruher Straße 84
76139 Karlsruhe
Phone: +49 721-9678 139
e-mail: nicole.zumbuelte@tzw.de

Website

https://www.micbin.de/

Partner Institutions

German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) / BfG

DVGW-Technologiezentrum Wasser / TZW

Cologne Technical University, STEPs / THK

BKV GmbH / BKV

Bavarian State Office for the Environment / LfU

University of Augsburg / UniA

Osnabrück University / UOS

Duration Period

October 2017

March 2021

Tags

Microplastics

Catchment area

Modeling

minimization strategies

Infraref spectroscopy

Sewage treatment plant

Project sheet

17_Projektblatt_MicBin_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

revolPET

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:53:14 +0000

revolPET KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 16:53

Development of a Recycling Technology for PET Waste Plastics from Multilayer Material and Other Waste Composites

As part of the revolPET project, a solvolytic recycling process for waste PET plastics (Polyethylene Terephthalate) from multilayer and other mixed materials was elaborated and experimentally tested. Inactive patents for solvolysis of single-variety PET waste formed the basis for this research: those solvolytic processes were be enhanced into a continuous waste treatment concept that can recycle PET waste. This enabled the recycling of the PET materials present in the mixed waste and the separation of differing amounts of interfering substances, with the latter being redirected to other uses. The recycling process generates the basic components of PET: monoethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. The flexibility of the process enables sorting of waste from very inhomogenous materials sources such as marine and technical PET wastes. The new recycling process was tested and evaluated in a pilot plant. The data from this testing is included into continuous economic and ecological assessments of the procedure and its integration into the value chain.

Main areas of work

Development of the technical basis for continuous solvolysis
Operation of the pilot plant for experimental development and technological validation of the solvolysis process
Development of a mass and energy balances of the continuous processing methods (for pure and mixed PET waste)
Development of a model-based tool for the analysis and assessment of environmental impacts
Determination of market requirements with regard to recycling routes and required specifications for new streams of recyclable materials
Opening up new sources of supply for PET waste composites from post-consumer collections and technical applications

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Basic research, process and apparatus design

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Scholl, Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering, Langer Kamp 7, 38106 Braunschweig, e-mail: s.scholl@tu-braunschweig.de

Project partner
Fraunhofer ICT, Reclay Materials GmbH, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH, VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Short description
The technical fundamentals for continuous solvolysis of initially pure PET to multilayer and mixed PET were developed. The data served as the basis for the planning, design, construction and commissioning of a modular pilot plant, which enabled investigations of different apparatus.

WP 2 Pilot studies

Contact person
Carsten Eichert, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, Feldstraße 29, 21335 Lüneburg, e-mail: eichert@rittec.eu

Project partner
Fraunhofer ICT, TU Braunschweig ICTV, Reclay Materials GmbH, SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH, VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Short description
The central experimental elaboration and technological validation of the solvolysis process took place through the operation of the pilot plant. The process engineering solutions found in the basic investigations in WP 1 were implemented here. First, PET of a higher purity was processed. For this purpose, the continuous operation is represented. The final goal was the continuous operation of the pilot plant for mixed PET waste streams.

WP 3 Accounting and multi-criteria rating

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Herrmann, Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology, Langer Kamp 19B, 38106 Braunschweig, e-mail: c.herrmann@tu-braunschweig.de

Project partner
TU Braunschweig ICTV, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, Reclay Materials GmbH

Short description
The aim was to establish a closed and consistent mass and energy balance of the continuous processing method (for single-variety and mixed PET waste) parallel to the experimental development of the recycling process. This was first created for the continuous operation of the pilot plant, compared with the operating data and then scaled to potential market scenarios. Based on the formulated requirements and the data from the pilot plant, a model-based tool for the analysis and evaluation of environmental impacts was developed.

WP 4 Market analysis and technology implementation

Contact person
Carsten Eichert, RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH, Feldstraße 29, 21335 Lüneburg, e-mail: eichert@rittec.eu

Project partner
Fraunhofer ICT, TU Braunschweig ICTV, TU Braunschweig IWF, Reclay Materials GmbH, SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH, VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Short description
The market requirements with regard to recycling routes and required specifications for new streams of recyclable materials was determined. By means of potential analysis, the proportion of recyclable technical waste in machine tools and industrial plants in Germany was also estimated. Based on this, new sources of supply for PET waste composites from post-consumer collections and technical applications was developed. New potential partners for the implementation of the newly developed solvolysis process in the value chain and the new disposal channels was identified.

Coordinator

Carsten Eichert
RITTEC Umwelttechnik GmbH
Feldstraße 29
21335 Lüneburg
Phone: +49 4131 - 408 55 44
e-mail: eichert@rittec.eu

Website

https://revolpet.eu/?lang=en

Partner Institutions

Technical University of Braunschweig

Institute for Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering / ICTV

Institute of Machine Tools and Production Technology / IWF

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering / ICT

Reclay Materials GmbH

SCHILLER Apparatebau GmbH

VTU Engineering Deutschland GmbH

Duration Period

October 2017

March 2021

Tags

Fluorescence marker-based sorting technology

Industry

Industrial emissions

Consumption

Life Cycle Assessment

Environmental accounting

Optimization process

Plastic littering

Polyester

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Resource conservation

Secondary raw materials

Solvolysis

Sorting

Material flow managment

Project sheet

11_Projektblatt_solvoPET_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

Postnova Analytics GmbH

BS-Partikel GmbH

Duration Period

September 2017

June 2021

Tags

Sewage

Adsorption

Methodology of analyses

Infraref spectroscopy

Sewage treatment plant

in vitro test systems

Raman microspectroscopy

Nano plastics

Scanning electron microscopy

Field flow fractionation

Project sheet

09_Projektblatt_SubµTrack_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

PLASTRAT

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 14:34:18 +0000

PLASTRAT KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 15:34

Strategies for Reducing the Entry of Urban Plastics into Limnic Systems

The common element of all investigations in PLASTRAT was the development of solution strategies for sustainable limitation of the spread of plastic residues in the aquatic environment on technical, environmental, scientific and social-ecological levels. The objective consisted of developing a multi-criteria evaluation approach for the environmental compatibility of different types of plastics. In addition, a quality label for practical application was designed. The focus lay on the analysis and evaluation of the degradation stages of different types of plastics as well as leaching, adsorption and desorption in different wastewater treatment stages, the effects of different plastic species (in different degradation stages) and their additives on aquatic organisms in limnic systems, as well as a risk characterisation of the human toxicological effect of microplastics on consumers of drinking water. Furthermore, the emphasis is put on the quantification and technical reduction potential (e.g. use of membrane technology) of plastic emissions in urban water management, including sewage sludge/fermentation residue treatment, taking into account suitable sampling, treatment and analysis methods. Besides, studies were carried out on the social relevance, i.e. how plastics are handled in German households, what demands the consumer places on plastics, what possibilities exist for the use of substitutes and the resulting effects on commerce, logistics and consumers.

Main areas of work

Determination and evaluation of microplastic pathways in limnic systems
Investigation and evaluation of technical measures for microplastic elimination
Sampling strategies for further processing and analysis of microplastics
Sample preparation for analysis of microplastics
Identification and quantification of microplastics in all samples
Automation of particle recognition, measurement and identification using databases
Adsorption/desorption of pollutants on microplastics
Degradation and leaching of polymers of different groups
Ecotoxicological studies of released substances from microplastics
Human toxicological investigations of released substances from microplastics
Risk analysis of drinking water
Investigation of societal relevance
Development of a multi-criteria evaluation system
Development of a quality label through an accompanying stakeholder dialogue

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP K Coordination und Communikation

Contact persons
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Schaum, apl. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Krause, Bundeswehr University Munich, Institute of Hydroscience, Chair of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management, Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39, 85577 Neubiberg, e-mail: swa@unibw.de

Short description
In addition to the tasks of general scientific project management, internal communication between the network partners and external communication (increasing public awareness of the project) were also covered. This includes, among other things, uniform guidelines for public relations work by individual network partners and within the overall consortium, organisation of meetings, monitoring of work progress, document management and coordination of the associated partners.

WP 1 Microplastics in the urban water cycle

Project partner
UF, IWW, BfG, a2i, TUDa, inge, IPF, IOW

Short description
Basic data and definitions for PLASTRAT were specified in consultation with all project partners. This relates to the definition of the upper and lower limit of the particle size for microplastic particles to be examined, the selection of specific plastic species from the categories conventional plastics, recyclates, and biobased or biodegradable polymers. Further work included the selection or determination of suitable sites for investigations of WP 2 and 3, taking into account the products considered in WP 5. In addition, a stakeholder analysis was carried out along with a more detailed evaluation for developing the quality label.

WP 2 Degradation und material dynamics

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Thomas Ternes, German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG), Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, e-mail: ternes@bafg.de

Project partner
UniBwM, TUDa

Short description
The environmental behaviour of biobased, synthetic and recycled plastics was analysed in WP 2. Original materials were examined, as well as artificially-aged materials. The release of pollutants (oligomers, additives and their transformation products) was analysed depending on the type of polymer and the degree of degradation. Furthermore, differences in the adsorption/desorption of environmental chemicals were investigated for different types of polymers and the role of wastewater treatment plants regarding the pollutant load of microplastics (enrichment or depletion).

WP 3 Entry points and elimination

Project partner
UniBwM, a2i, inge, IPF, IOW

Short description
Different entry points of microplastics into limnic systems were assessed, focusing on the analysis and evaluation of the waste water management system including measures for microplastic retention (e.g. membrane technology) that already exist or have been modified or developed in the course of the project. Core areas comprised rain and mixed water discharge, the assessment and evaluation of the entire wastewater treatment plant system, and an analysis of sewage sludge, digestate and compost as possible microplastic sinks. Emphasis was also put on the development and selection of suitable processing and analytical methods.

WP 4 Impact and hazard analysis

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

Project partner
IWW

Short description
Comparative analyses were conducted for biobased, synthetic and recycled plastics in different degradation stages as well as for their additives and substances adsorbed/desorbed regarding their effects applying various human and ecotoxicological methods. The results were used to derive threshold values and environmental quality objectives. These contributed to the hazard analysis and evaluation of the different plastic species with regard to their relevance and environmental compatibility for the limnic environment. The experimental investigations were supplemented by a risk analysis of the drinking water system.

WP 5 Societal relevance

Contact person
Dr. Immanuel Stieß, ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research, Hamburger Allee 4, 60486 Frankfurt, e-mail: stiess@isoe.de

Short description
The social perception, use and disposal of plastic based products were analysed as well as the possibilities, conditions and obstacles for more sustainable consumption and disposal practices. The focus lay on applications in the non-food sector (hygiene articles, clothing and dog excrement bags) as their incorrect or informal disposal can lead to the emission of microplastics into limnic systems that may have negative effects on organisms and aquatic ecosystems. Analysing of the perception of environmental risks and product-specific use and disposal practices was carried out through qualitative exploration and standardised surveys.

WP 6 Evaluation system/quality label

Contact person
Kristina Wencki, IWW Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institute for Water Research gGmbH, Moritzstraße 26, 45476 Mülheim an der Ruhr, e-mail: k.wencki@iww-online.de

Project partner
ISOE, UniBwM, UF, BfG

Short description
Within the project, a multi-criteria evaluation system for plastics regarding to their environmental compatibility with limnic systems was developed. At the same time, the identification of the evaluation criteria was used to initiate the critical discourse about the quality label that demonstrates this environmental compatibility. To this end, a stakeholder dialogue was conducted. In addition to synthesizing the outcomes of the preceding work packages, this made a significant contribution to transfer the newly acquired findings into research and business practice.

Coordinator

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Schaum and apl. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Steffen Krause
Bundeswehr University Munich Institute of Hydroscience /
UniBwM Chair of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management
Werner-Heisenberg-Weg 39
85577 Neubiberg
Phone: + 49 89-6004-2061 bzw. -2698 /-3849
e-mail: swa@unibw.de

Website

http://www.plastrat.de/project/

Partner Institutions

Goethe University Frankfurt / UF

Institute for Social-Ecological Research/ISOE

IWW Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institute for Water Research gGmbH / IWW

German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) / BfG

aquadrat ingenieure GmbH / a2i

Technical University of Darmstadt, Institute IWAR /TUDa

inge GmbH /inge

Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden / IPF

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde / IOW