Industrial emissions

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

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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

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Ergebnis

Ergebnistyp

Further products

Factsheet 5.1: Mikroplastik aus industriellem Abwasser entfernen - Verfahrensverbesserungen durch Flockungsmittel

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 10:02:22 +0000

Factsheet 5.1: Removing microplastics from industrial wastewater - Process improvements through the use of flocculants janna.vakili@e… Tue, 04/27/2021 - 12:02

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Beschreibung

Microplastics can enter our wastewater along the entire value chain. Removal options exist primarily in wastewater treatment plants, here in the form of filtration, flotation and sedimentation processes. The removal performance of wastewater treatment plants determines how much microplastic is discharged into the environment.

Building on this, Factsheet 5.1 addresses the question of how current processes can be further improved. In this context, the researchers paid particular attention to the influence of flocculants on separation performance. The joint project EmiStop conducted over 1,000 flocculation tests with 9 flocculant combinations on 17 types of plastics. The results show that flocculants can increase process efficiency up to 99.9% removal efficiency.

In the EmiStop research project, industrial plastic emissions were qualitatively and quantitatively identified using innovative detection methods, and technologies to prevent environmental input via the wastewater pathway were evaluated and optimized.

The factsheet 5.1 is available for PDF download here.

Attachments

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

Joint project

EmiStop

Year

2021

Author

Authors

Mark Masch

Eva Bitter

Type of Result

factsheets

Citation

Masch, Mark; Bitter, Eva (2021): Removing microplastics from industrial wastewater: Process improvements through the use of flocculants. Fact sheet 5.1 of the BMBF research focus "Plastics in the Environment“.

Tags

Sewage treatment plant

Publikationstyp

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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Bildergalerie

EmiStop Forschungsarbeit: Flockungsmittel zur Entfernung von Mikroplastik aus industriellen Abwässern

KALEH — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 10:54:51 +0000

EmiStop Research Paper: Flocculants for Removal of Microplastics from Industrial Wastewater KALEH Thu, 07/11/2019 - 12:54

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Beschreibung

Microplastic particles can enter natural bodies of water via wastewater streams. These environmentally hazardous plastic particles are found in more and more bodies of water as well as in food and aquatic life. As part of the research project EmiStop, flocculants for the removal of microplastics from industrial wastewater have been developed. The flocculation of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyamide was investigated for nine different combinations of inorganic and organic coagulants and flocculants both in tap water and in industrial wastewater matrices.

Further Links

Download: Flocculants for Removal of Microplastics from Industrial Wastewater

Joint project

EmiStop

DOI

10.1002/cite.201900010

Year

2019

Author

Authors

Eva Marianne Gilbert

Heinz‐Ludwig Eckes

Publisher

Chemie, Ingenieur, Technik (WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Type of Result

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

Citation

Chemie, Ingenieur, Technik (WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (2019): Flocculants for Removal of Microplastics from Industrial Wastewater.

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Publikationstyp

K 2019 - Messe für die Kunststoff- und Kautschukindustrie

Stephan.Guertler — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 12:50:07 +0000

K 2019 - Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber Stephan.Guertler Mon, 04/15/2019 - 14:50

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Beschreibung

The Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber is aimed at all companies that manufacture or process plastics. One of the focal points of this year's fair is "Sustainable Development". In particular, the focus will be on recycling management, water management and renewable energies.

Location

Düsseldof

Organiser

GKV Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie e.V.

PlasticsEurope Deutschland GmbH

Fachverband Kunststoff- und Gummimaschinen im VDMA

Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie e.V. (wdk)

Date

16 - 23 October 2019

16. - 23. Oktober 2019

Further Links

Website of Event

Image Gallery

Tags

Industry

Industrial emissions

Date sort

Wed, 10/16/2019 - 12:00

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InRePlast

Stephan.Guertler — Fri, 01 Mar 2019 09:03:22 +0000

InRePlast Stephan.Guertler Fri, 03/01/2019 - 10:03

Environmental Policy Instruments to Reduce Plastic Pollution of Inland Waters through Drainage Systems

The project aimed to make a significant, transdisciplinary contribution to applied research on the prevention of plastic discharges into water bodies via drainage systems from a behavioural and environmental economics perspective. In four model municipalities, the project recorded the quantity and type of plastics discharged into the drainage systems via wastewater and precipitation water collection in municipal wastewater treatment plants and precipitation drains within one year. The data obtained was then extrapolated for Germany by means of material flow analysis. With regard to regulatory deficits, instruments to reduce plastic inputs were developed in an interplay of legal and behavioural economics analyses. Selected instruments were tested in field experiments in companies and households. On this basis, the project partners developed policy briefs that inform policymakers, practitioners and associations about ways to measure and reduce plastic inputs into the environment.

Main areas of work

Analysis of legal framework conditions
Empirical investigations of plastic discharges into the drainage systems of four model municipalities
Model-based visualisation of the material flows from the considered input sources, namely households, transport routes and companies of the plastics industry in the model municipalities
Development of behaviour-based measures to motivate behavioural changes
Computer simulations of the effects of behaviour-based measures
Evaluation of the effect of measures by means of field experiments

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1: Inventory of the entry points of plastics into the drainage systems

Contact person

Dr. Marco Breitbarth, Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen (FIW), Kackertstraße 15 – 17, 52056 Aachen, e-mail: breitbarth@fiw.rwth-aachen.de

Project partners

City of Aachen, City of Stolberg, Simmerath Municipality, Roetgen Municipality, University of Kassel, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

The aim of this work package was to determine the status quo of plastic discharges into the drainage systems in the four selected model municipalities, which represent different settlement structures. For this purpose, the type and quantity of plastic products as well as their sources from households, industry, traffic and other activities related to wastewater collection and drainage of paved areas were determined.

WP 2: Development of a concept for multi-criteria, behavior-oriented set of instruments

Contact persons

Prof. Dr. Anja Hentschel, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Professorship for Environmental and Energy Law, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, e-mail: anja.hentschel@h-da.de

Dr. Maria Daskalakis, University of Kassel, Department of Economics, Division of Economic Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Environmental Policy Working Group, Nora-Platiel-Str. 4, 34109 Kassel, e-mail: daskalakis@wirtschaft.uni-kassel.de

Project partners

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, FIW

Short description

Starting from a behavioural economics analysis of relevant behavioural effects regarding the use of plastics in households and companies and possible approaches to motivate changes in their use as well as an investigation and deficit analysis of the existing legal framework at national and European level, behavioural measures and instruments were identified. Their effects with regard to ecological, social, technical, legal and economic feasibility were assessed. The result was a preliminary set of instruments, which were used as a basis for all further investigations and were adapted if necessary.

WP 3: Empirical analyses of success factors and barriers

Contact persons

Dr. David Hofmann, University of Kassel, Department of Economics, Division of Economic Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Environmental Policy Working Group, Nora-Platiel-Str. 4, 34109 Kassel, e-mail: dhofmann@uni-kassel.de

Project partners

City of Aachen, City of Stolberg, Simmerath Municipality, Roetgen Municipality, Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, FIW, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

The empirical determination of the success factors and barriers of instruments for the reduction of plastic inputs via the drainage systems was based on the concept of multi-criteria behaviour-oriented instrumentation. The focus of the investigations were the actor groups households and companies. The investigations were preceded by expert discussions. A methodological triangulation was used: semi-structured, guideline-supported in-depth interviews were carried out as well as, in the case of households, a telephone survey and, in the case of households and companies, a field experiment.

WP 4: Material flow models of plastic inputs into canalisation systems and wastewater treatment plants

Contact person

Dr. Marco Breitbarth, Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen (FIW), Kackertstraße 15 – 17, 52056 Aachen, e-mail: breitbarth@fiw.rwth-aachen.de

Project partners

University of Kassel, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

Material flow models for plastic discharges of macro- and microplastics from the identified sources into the drainage systems were developed for the four model communities. Based on the model results, the sources and product types were analysed and evaluated with regard to their relevance for the plastic inputs. The data from the municipalities was then extrapolated to the federal level in a general model.

WP 5: Actor-based computer model and simulations for the development of material flows

Contact persons

Project partners

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, FIW, Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Short description

In this work package the design and development of multi-agent systems was carried out, which cover the actor groups households and companies. Based on the actor concept of WP 2, the multi-agent systems map actor-related decision-making processes and determinants of plastics use were linked to the material flow models from WP 4 in a subsequent step. Different legal and behavioural instruments and their material-ecological and economic implications were analysed and evaluated on the basis of different scenarios.

WP 6: Finalisation of the concept of multi-criteria, behaviour-oriented set of instruments

Contact person

Project partners

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, University of Kassel, FIW

Short description

In parallel to work packages 3 to 5, the concept of multi-criteria behaviour-oriented set of instruments were further specified by including the results of empirical studies and the multi-agent system. For the identified instruments and measures, it was estimated how they could work in practice, what control and enforcement effort they might create for authorities, whether they could be combined in certain areas, and what medium- and long-term effects the regulations could have. The adjustments to the concept were tracked and evaluated through computer simulations.

WP 7: Developing proposals for implementation

Contact persons

Dr. Marco Breitbarth, Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen (FIW), Kackertstraße 15 – 17, 52056 Aachen, e-mail: breitbarth@fiw.rwth-aachen.de

Project partner

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach

Short description

The project results were prepared for political and practical implementation. For this purpose, recommendations for action were summarised in the form of policy briefs, which are intended to offer support to various actors for the implementation of the developed instrument packages. The project addressed the federal, state and local levels (legislators and authorities), consumer associations and NGOs as well as companies and associations of the plastics industry in order to facilitate the effective implementation of the measures.

Coordinator

Dr. Maria Daskalakis
University of Kassel, Department of Economics, Division of Economic Policy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,
Environmental Policy Working Group
Nora-Platiel-Str. 4
34109 Kassel
Phone: +49 561 804-3052
e-mail: daskalakis@wirtschaft.uni-kassel.de

Website

www.inreplast.de

Partner Institutions

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Professorship for Environmental and Energy Law

Research Institute for Water and Waste Management at RWTH Aachen / FiW

Associated Partners

City of Aachen

City of Stolberg

Simmerath Municipality

Roetgen Municipality

Wasserverband Eifel-Ruhr / WVER

BKV GmbH

German Association for Plastics Packaging and Films / IK

PlasticsEurope Germany

Kunststoff-Zentrum SKZ

German Federal Environmental Agency

DHB – Netzwerk Haushalt

BildungsCent e.V.

Prof. Dr. Frank Beckenbach, Cusanus Hochschule, Bernkastel-Kues

Duration Period

January 2019

December 2021

Tags

Sewage treatment plant

Multi-criteria evaluation

Standardization

Strategy on plastics

Plastic littering

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

minimization strategies

Regulation

Project sheet

Project-sheet-InRePlast-2019.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

MicroCatch_Balt

KALEH — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:57:04 +0000

MicroCatch_Balt KALEH Wed, 12/20/2017 - 10:57

Investigation of Sinks and Sources of Microplastics from a Typical Catchment Area to the Open Baltic Sea

This project determined sources and sinks of microplastic in the Warnow river basin, as well as relevant dissemination processes on its way to the open Baltic Sea. Separate models were linked so that the resulting model covers the entire river basin including estuary and coastal waters. The linked models served to identify hotspot areas of microplastic entry and to estimate the effects of microplastic reduction measures in parts of the river basin. By converting the models into a handson multitouch table, project participants made interactive, creative learning modules that were presented in the form of a traveling exhibition in communities around the German Baltic coast from Stralsund to Flensburg. Further, MicroCatch_Balt included the examination of anti-fouling paint and extreme weather events as sources and higher organisms as sinks. Based on this, MicroCatch_Balt covered the most important aspects of microplastic contamination of limnic to marine systems in northern Germany, thereby offering interest groups the expertise with which to develop future monitoring and strategies for reduction.

Main areas of work

Sampling in the Warnow river basin and estuary, extraction and identification of microplastics
Modelling of microplastic input into the Warnow system of diffuse and point sources
Development of two multi-media modules for a multi-touch table and organisation of a traveling exhibition

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Sampling of microplastic from the environment

Contact person
PD Dr. habil. Matthias Labrenz, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Environmental Microbiology, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, e-mail: matthias.labrenz@io-warnemuende.de

Project partner
IPF

Short description
In WP 1, environmental samples (water, sediment, soil, benthic and pelagic higher organisms) were collected, processed and identified in the Warnow area. Of particular interest were potential sources such as wastewater treatment plants / sewage separation, drainage ditches, erosion areas, industrially influenced areas as well as extreme events like Hanse Sail, New Year‘s Eve, heavy rain and storm events. Potential sinks, including higher organisms (mussels, worms, fish), beaches and sediments were also sampled. In all samples, the microplastic particles were identified and quantified using spectroscopic methods.

WP 2 Modelling of the Warnow estuary and the catchment area

Contact person
Dipl.-Ing.agr. Peter Kreins, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute - Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Bundesallee 50, 38116 Braunschweig, e-mail: peter.kreins@thuenen.de

Project partner
FZJ, IOW

Short description
By adapting and combining different regional models, spatially high-resolution modelling of landside diffuse and point source of microplastic emissions into the river basin of the Warnow took place. In this way, on the one hand the hotspots of pollution in the Warnow river area were identified and on the other hand the entire landside microplastic entries into coastal waters were quantified.

WP 3 Microplastics Touring Exhibition

Contact person
Dr. Barbara Hentzsch, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde, Scientific Management and Communication, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, e-mail: barbara.hentzsch@io-warnemuende.de

Project partner
FhIGD

Short description
In WP 3 a traveling exhibition with an interactive multimedia learning module was developed, which presents the project results in the form of animations. The traveling exhibition was shown in Stralsund, Rostock, Hamburg, Kiel, Eckernförde and Flensburg. The respective exhibition openings was accompanied by plenary discussions with representatives of the local environmental authorities and scientists.

WP 4 Project management

Contact person
PD Dr. habil. Matthias Labrenz, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Environmental Microbiology, Seestraße 15, 18119 Rostock, e-mail: matthias.labrenz@io-warnemuende.de

Short description
WP 4 covered project management and ensured efficient and productive execution of the project. The tasks of WP 4 included coordination with the other “Plastics in the Environment” projects PLAWES, PLASTRAT and the BONUS project MICROPOLL, as well as monitoring finances and work results, organising regular project meetings, disseminating project results to the public, and supporting the project manager with regard to internal and external scientific communication.

Coordinator

PD Dr. habil. Matthias Labrenz
Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde / IOW,
Environmental Microbiology
Seestraße 15
18119 Rostock
Phone: +49 381/5197378
e-mail:matthias.labrenz@io-warnemuende.de

Website

https://www.io-warnemuende.de/microcatch-home.html

Partner Institutions

Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden / IPF

Jülich Research Centre, Institute for Bio- and Geosciences / FZJ-IBG

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

Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics Research IGD Rostock / FhIGD

Duration Period

August 2017

April 2021

Tags

Information and teaching materials

Infraref spectroscopy

Sewage treatment plant

Combined sewar overflows

Project sheet

19_Projektblatt_MicroCatchBalt_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

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

December 2020

Tags

Sewage

Methodology of analyses

Sewage treatment plant

Environmental accounting

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polymer analysis

Polypropylene (PP)

Polystyrene (PS)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Project sheet

15_Projektblatt_EmiStop_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

KuWert

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 16:12:48 +0000

KuWert KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 17:12

Ship-Based Treatment of Plastics for the Implementation of Value Chains in Less Developed Countries as well as for the Prevention of Plastic Inputs into the Environment and Especially in Marine Ecosystems

The aim of the project was to develop concepts and preliminary planning for the implementation of an infrastructure for the collection, ship-based treatment, and marketing of plastic waste in order to reduce the input of plastic waste into the environment and marine ecosystems. The project's target regions were primarily less developed countries in the Global South. Using West Africa as an example, strategies for reducing the input of plastics (in this case macroplastics) into the environment were researched, because the input of macroplastics into the environment is particularly high when functioning waste collection and disposal systems are lacking. Stakeholder dialogues were conducted to assess whether a commodity chain based on plastic recyclates is possible on the West African coast. A prototype model ship was developed and used to determine costs.

Main areas of work

Data collection, analysis and evaluation (local conditions in less developed countries)
Preliminary planning of waste treatment plants
Design of a concept for suitable ship and plant technology
Development of strategies for the implementation of value chains in less developed countries
Analysis and evaluation of results (economic, ecological)

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Basic evaluation – recording of plastic waste

Contact person
Dr. Martin Wittmaier, IEKrW, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, e-mail: wittmaier-office@hs-bremen.de

Project partner
TECHNOLOG, Nehlsen, University of Mauritius, University of Sierra Leone

Short description
It was of utmost importance for the processing of the entire project to gain knowledge of the composition of the plastic waste that potentially was collected in less developed countries. To this end, data and information (types, qualities, quantities, framework conditions, logistics, etc.) were first collected, analysed and evaluated, including on site in the example countries Sierra Leone and Mauritius.

WP 2 Pre-design of a treatment and recovery plant

Contact person
Dr. Sven Rausch, Nehlsen GmbH & Co. KG, Wilhelm-Karmann-Str. 5, 28237 Bremen, e-mail: sven.rausch@nehlsen.com

Project partner
TECHNOLOG, IEKrW, University of Mauritius, University of Sierra Leone

Short description
In this WP, waste treatment plants were planned in various variants. For this purpose, national and international framework conditions connected with the construction and operation of the ship-based facilities to be developed were determined. Various known procedures were evaluated and tested for their suitability, as were requirements for operation, maintenance and repair. On this basis, the objectives for the treatment of plastic waste were defined, followed by the development of conceptual designs.

WP 3 Concept development (ship and plant engineering)

Contact person
Fridtjof Rohde, TECHNOLOG, Vorsetzen 50, 20459 Hamburg, e-mail: fridtjof.rohde@tlg-services.biz

Project partner
IEKrW, Nehlsen

Short description
Preliminary designs for up to three variants of carrier vessels/semi-submersibles for the treatment of plastic waste were developed with alternative shipbound logistics concepts. Rough planning included room planning and process-oriented arrangement of facilities, equipment for maritime technology, equipment for waste treatment plants, etc. The production costs and energy requirements were also determined and the variants were compared economically.

WP 4 Marketing potential of secondary raw materials

Contact person
Dr. Sven Rausch, Nehlsen GmbH & Co. KG, Wilhelm-Karmann-Straße 5, 28237 Bremen, e-mail: sven.rausch@nehlsen.com

Project partner
IEKrW, TECHNOLOG

Short description
The market for secondary raw materials was examined, since these are fundamentally valuable. Tradeable products from plastic waste were identified and the quality requirements to be met specified. Possible revenues were also estimated. The resulting technical requirements for processing technology and quality management were taken into account in the other WPs. Based on the results, strategies for the most economical processing and marketing of products made from plastic waste were developed.

WP 5 Profitability analysis and life cycle assessment

Contact person
Dr. Martin Wittmaier, IEKrW, Neustadtswall 30, 28199 Bremen, e-mail: wittmaier-office@hs-bremen.de

Project partner
TECHNOLOG, Nehlsen

Short description
The concepts and preliminary planning for the ship-based collection, processing and marketing of plastic waste from less developed countries developed in the project were evaluated under economic and ecological aspects. On the basis of the results, the ecological advantages (reduction of the input of plastics into the environment, protection of resources by recycling plastic waste) were determined. The evaluation of the economic efficiency was intended to assess the chances of realisation and provide a planning framework for potential investors, funding providers and operators of a ship-based collection and treatment plant for plastic waste.

WP 6 Project management, public relations, recycling concept

Contact person
Fridtjof Rohde, TECHNOLOG, Vorsetzen 50, 20459 Hamburg, e-mail: fridtjof.rohde@tlg-services.biz

Project partner
IEKrW, Nehlsen

Short description
Within the framework of WP 6, work was carried out on internal and external communication (project meetings, workshops, communication between national and international partners including maintaining contacts with interested shipping companies/shipowners, public relations, etc.) and project management (administrative and content-related reporting, work and progress control and coordination, etc.).

Coordinator

Fridtjof Rohde
TECHNOLOG Services GmbH
Vorsetzen 50
20459 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 7070768-20
e-mail: fridtjof.rohde@tlg-services.biz

Website

http://www.KuWert.hs-bremen.de

Partner Institutions

Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences, Institute for Energy, Recycling and Environmental Protection / IEKrW

Nehlsen GmbH & Co. KG

Duration Period

August 2017

December 2019

Tags

Waste reduction