Filter cascade

Statuspapier Mikroplastik-Analytik

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:22:16 +0000

Analysis of Microplastics - Sampling, preparation and detection methods hannes.schritt… Mon, 06/28/2021 - 15:22

Untertitel

Status Report

Titelbild

Beschreibung

This status report was prepared within the framework of the cross-cutting topic 1 "Analytics and reference materials" of the research focus. It summarizes the contents of the project discussions and coordination within the cross-cutting issue. The organization of this ongoing process of development or elaboration has been supported by several events.

The status report presents a summary of the physicochemical methods for the analysis of MP used in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment". The present recommendations are based on the current state of knowledge of the analysis of MP and are directed at actors in science as well as potential users in practice.

Scientists from the following collaborative projects of the research focus participated in the preparation of the status report via workshops, contributions and feedback loops: EmiStop, ENSURE, MicBin, MicroCatch_Balt, MikroPlaTaS, PLASTRAT, PLAWES, RAU, REPLAWA, RUSEKU, SubμTrack and TextileMission as well as the two predecessor projects MiWa and BASEMAN.

Further Links

Link to Status Report

Year

2020

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Braun, Ulrike & Stein, Ulf & Schritt, Hannes & Altmann, Korinna & Bannick, Claus & Becker, Roland & Bitter, Hajo & Bochow, Mathias & Dierkes, Georg & Enders, Kristina & Eslahian, Kyriakos & Fischer, Dieter & Földi, Corinna & Fuchs, Monika & Gerdts, Gunnar & Hagendorf, Christian & Heller, Claudia & Ivleva, Natalia & Jekel, Martin & Kerpen, Jutta & Klaeger, Fraziska & Knoop, Oliver & Labrenz, Matthias & Laforsch, Christian & Obermaier, Nathan & Primpke, Sebastian & Reiber, Jens & Richter, Susanne & Ricking, Mathias & Scholz-Böttcher, Barbara & Stock, Friederike & Wagner, Stephan & Wendt-Potthoff, Katrin & Zumbülte, Nicole (2021): Analysis of Microplastics - Sampling, preparation and detection methods. Status Report within the framework program Plastics in the Environment.

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

TextileMission

KALEH — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 15:39:44 +0000

TextileMission KALEH Wed, 12/06/2017 - 16:39

Microplastics of Textile Origin - A Holistic View: Optimized Processes and Materials, Material Flows and Environmental Behavior

Textiles made of synthetic fibres can lose microparticles during household washing, which can then enter rivers, lakes and oceans. The goal of Textile- Mission was to reduce the related environmental impact. The project pursued an interdisciplinary approach with partners from the Sport Goods Industry, research, the detergent and household aplliance sectors, and environmental protection. On the one hand, sport and outdoor textiles with significantly lower microplastic emissions than in the past were developed through textile technology research and the optimisation of production processes. Textile researchers and the sportswear manufacturers involved also tested biodegradable fibres as an environmentally friendly alternative. With the support of the WWF, care was taken to ensure that other aspects of sustainability were also considered. On the other hand, a contribution was made to optimise wastewater treatment plant technology. Practical innovations at this level also help to reduce microplastic inputs from non-textile sources. In parallel, data on the extent and range of microparticle emissions from different textiles were systematically collected through tests of washing and laboratory wastewater treatment plants to improve the understanding of the respective material flows.

Main areas of work

Status quo analysis: the microplastic output of marketable textiles
Wastewater treatment plant technology: the retention capacity of different cleaning or purification steps
Holistic perspective: sustainability aspects of alternative materials
Textile research: biodegradable materials and new cutting and processing possibilities
Product development: production and testing of prototypes

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Project management, communication and project-related research

Contact person
Nicole Espey, Federal Association of the German Sporting Goods Industry e.V., Adenauerallee 134, 53113 Bonn, e-mail: nicole.espey@bsi-sport.de

Short description
The Federal Association of the German Sport Goods Industry e.V. (BSI) coordinated the project and was responsible for public relations in consultation with the WWF. In addition to maintaining the website and sending out press releases, this also included organising multi-stakeholder events. The BSI conducted a study on the spread of microparticles and the polyester-based microparticle emissions associated with household laundry and collect data on the annual emissions of textile polyester microparticles. Finally, recommendations were given on how new materials, manufacturing processes, optimised wastewater treatment plant technology, etc. can help to sustainably reduce microparticle emissions.

WP 2 Development of textile structures for sports and outdoor applications with reduced particle emission in textile washing and based on biodegradable polymers

Contact persons
Prof. Dr. Maike Rabe and Prof. Dipl.-Des. Ellen Bendt, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, Research Institute for Textile and Clothing, Reinarzstraße 49, 47805 Krefeld, e-mail: maike.rabe@hs-niederrhein.de

Short description
Starting with a status quo analysis, the risk of microparticle emissions from textiles during household laundry were determined in cooperation with the Technical University of Dresden and the BSI. For this purpose, standard articles from German households, problem articles made of fleece and ”top sellers” from the industrial partners involved were washed to quantify the microparticles released. Another focus was on the development of alternative materials, cutting and processing possibilities. For this purpose, low-emission construction, processing and finishing methods were researched and materials made of or in combination with biopolymers were produced. Finally, as a recommendation for the textile industry, a method for predicting the emission risk of newly developed textile articles was presented.

WP 3 Microplastics of textile origin – A holistic approach: optimised processes and materials, material flows and environmental behaviour.

Contact person
Hilke Anna Patzwall, VAUDE Sport GmbH & CO. KG, VAUDE Straße 2, 88069 Tettnang, e-mail: hilke.patzwall@vaude.com

Short description
The outdoor clothing specialist VAUDE provided materials and finished products for status quo analysis and assist in the selection of other test materials and products. Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences developed new materials and construction methods to be tested in coordination with the partners. After passing the performance test, the materials were then assembled into prototypes. The knowledge gained during the manufacturing process was in turn reflected into the research network - here the question was about i.a. the processability of the materials using conventional sewing machines, among other things.

WP 4 Polyester fibres: Reduction of microparticle release and material flow analysis in the environment

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Stefan Stolte, Technical University of Dresden, Institute of Water Chemistry, Chair of Hydrochemistry and Water Technology, 01062 Dresden, e-mail: stefan.stolte@tu-dresden.de

Short description
At the TU Dresden, an analysis and sample preparation method was established that makes it possible to quantify microparticles from wastewater streams and fractionate them according to size. In addition, the researchers investigated the retention capacity of textile (fluorescence-labelled) microparticles in the different stages of a laboratory wastewater treatment plant and identified efficient retention possibilities. Material flows were analysed including a first estimate of the Germany-wide textile microplastic emission from wastewater into water bodies /soils was made. In addition, biopolymer-based microplastics (obtained from washing tests with alternative materials at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences) were tested according to their environmental stability to derive design proposals.

WP 5 Consideration of other environmental issues related to the project, stakeholder involvement and communication at the end of the project

Contact person
Dr. Bernhard Bauske, WWF Germany, Kaiserstraße 70, 60329 Frankfurt e-mail: bernhard.bauske@wwf.de

Short description
Throughout the course of this project, WWF Germany ensured that sustainability aspects were taken into account even though they were not directly linked to the topic of microplastics. WWF conducted a study about possible areas of tension that may arise with alternative fibres made of bio-based plastics and wood. For example, the cultivation of textile raw materials vs. cultivation of foodstuffs. Another study focused on the retention of textile microfibre particles through various purification stages in wastewater treatment plants. At the same time, the WWF wanted to involve important stakeholders from NGOs, consumer associations and academia in the project.

Associated partners and their contributions

adidas AG provided materials and finished products for status quo analysis and assist in the selection of additional test materials and products. The sporting goods manufacturer examined the newly developed materials at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, University of Applied Sciences for general marketability and participate in the production and testing of prototypes. The company also supported the BSI in its press and public relations work.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA advised the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences on the construction of the test bench. The company also supported household laundry and wearing test by contributing its expertise on typical household washing and drying parameters.

Miele & Cie KG provided the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences with four household washing machines for the course of the project. In cooperation with Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, the washing machine manufacturer accompanied the household laundry tests and supported the modification of the washing processes with its expertise.

Polartec LLC: The world‘s largest fleece manufacturer Polartec LLC supported the project with its expertise in the production of fleece and provide standard products for comparisons. In addition, materials developed by the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences were prototyped and tested for scalability at the Polartec production sites.

Coordinator

Nicole Espey
Federal Association of the German
Sporting Goods Industry e.V. / BSI
Adenauerallee 134
53113 Bonn
Phone: +49 228/926593-0
e-mail: nicole.espey@bsi-sport.de

Website

http://textilemission.bsi-sport.de/

Partner Institutions

Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences

Technical University of Dresden

Vaude Sport GmbH & Co. KG

Associated Partners