Combined sewar overflows

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

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

REPLAWA

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 16:24:02 +0000

REPLAWA KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 17:24

Reduction of the Input of Plastics via Wastewater into the Aquatic Environment

The REPLAWA project covered questions of water resource protection in connection with wastewater treatment. The project investigated and quantitatively assessed entry points into water bodies through treatment plants, storm water drainage, and combined sewer overflows as well as swales at treatment facilities and in sewage sludge. It tested and rated various practical methods of reducing and eliminating plastic emissions into waterways during wastewater treatment. Based on the results of these investigations and of assessments regarding international regulatory approaches in this field, the project derived strategies for reducing plastic release from wastewater treatment into waterways. Furthermore the sensitization of policymakers as well as plant operators to this problem is also relevant.

The pollutant in focus of this project was microplastic, which poses the greatest challenges to reach the project’s goals.

The results are of immediate environmental and economic use, as they spread technical expertise regarding the choice and integration of technologies suitable for retaining plastic in wastewater treatment. Relevant political and administrative decision makers benefit from the inventory the project inherently provides and from suggested strategy developments of urban water management.

Main areas of work

Further development and testing of suitable sampling, preparation and analysis methods for plastic particles in wastewater and sewage sludge
Inventory and classification of discharges into water bodies via combined sewer overflows, precipitation water, sewage plant effluents and diffuse sources
Inventory and balancing on large-scale wastewater treatment plants
Evaluation and further development of various technical solutions for the separation of plastics during wastewater treatment by means of comparative tests
Social science analysis and classification of wastewater-related regulatory proposals and measures worldwide
Recommendations for action on strategy development in the field of urban water management and the associated regulation of plastic input

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Sampling and analysis methods

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Barjenbruch, Technical University of Berlin, Faculty VI - Planning Building Environment, Institute of Civil Engineering, Chair of Urban Water Management, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, e-mail: matthias.barjenbruch@tu-berlin.de

Project partner
Emscher Wassertechnik, TU Braunschweig ISWW, Lippeverband

Short description
Definition and application of sampling and analysis methods, comprising i.a. the following tasks:

Compilation of requirements for sampling, sample preparation and analysis for microplastic
Selection of suitable analytical techniques for the joint research project
Establishment of technical and personnel capacities at the Berlin location
Definition of sampling and preparation methods for wastewater and sewage sludge
Further development, validation of sampling and analysis
Development of the methodical procedure for microplastic doping in separation investigations

WP 2 Inventory of entry points for plastics in water bodies

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Scheer, Emscher Wassertechnik GmbH, Brunnenstr. 37, 45128 Essen, e-mail: scheer@ewlw.de

Project partner
TU Berlin FG Siwawi, TU Braunschweig ISWW, Lippeverband, Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig GmbH

Short description
Inventory and evaluation of the pathways microplastic takes into water, agriculture and groundwater, which includes the following tasks:

data collection, review and selection of appropriate river basin sections, groundwater bodies, and agricultural land
definition of a detailed measurement and sampling programme
representation and verification of discharges and boundary conditions
sampling and analyses
supplementary surveys and data evaluation with regard to wastewater input
analysis of measured data, quantitative assessment of entry points, evaluation

WP 3 Inventory and balancing on large-scale wastewater treatment plants

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Barjenbruch, Technical University of Berlin, Faculty VI - Planning Building Environment, Institute of Civil Engineering, Chair of Urban Water Management, Gustav-Meyer- Allee 25, 13355 Berlin, e-mail:matthias.barjenbruch@tu-berlin.de

Project partner
Emscher Wassertechnik, TU Braunschweig ISWW, Lippeverband, Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig GmbH

Short description
Investigation, evaluation and optimisation approaches for microplastic retention in largescale wastewater treatment plants with the following individual tasks:

Compilation of requirements for wastewater treatment plants with conventional activated sludge process and process with further solids retention
Selection and coordination with large-scale plants
Detailed recording of plant characteristics and boundary conditions
Sampling and analyses
Evaluation of measured data, balancing of material flows, evaluation
Derivation of further requirements: technical and operational optimisation approaches for large-scale plants and for the semi-technical investigations (WP 4) with regard to the retention of microplastics

WP 4 Semi-technical investigations for the further development of technical solutions for the deposition of plastics

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norbert Dichtl, Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering, Pockelsstraße 2a, 38106 Braunschweig, e-mail: n.dichtl@tu-braunschweig.de

Project partner
Emscher Wassertechnik GmbH, TU Berlin FG Siwawi, Mecana Umwelttechnik GmbH, Nordic Water GmbH, MARTIN Membrane Systems AG, Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig GmbH

Short description
Evaluation and optimisation of the retention performance of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants by investigations on a semitechnical scale for the (downstream) filtration of wastewater and for sewage sludge digestion with doped microplastics. The following steps were carried out for this purpose:

selection of plant technology for separation processes using membrane, cloth filter and sand filter
setting up the test and measurement programme
construction of semi-technical test facilities for comparative investigations at the Braunschweig site
execution of the experimental operation, sampling and analyses
technical and operational optimisation of the plants with regard to the retention of microplastics
final evaluation and assessment of measurement data and plant operation

WP 5 Social science analysis of regulatory projects and measures worldwide

Contact person
Univ.-Prof. Dr. phil. habil. Anja P. Jakobi, Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute of Social Sciences, Chair of International Relations, Bienroder Weg 97, 38106 Braunschweig, e-mail: a.jakobi@tu-braunschweig.de

Project partner
Emscher Wassertechnik GmbH

Short description
Compilation of international regulatory concepts on microplastics in wastewater, with analysis of stakeholder interests, evaluation of political measures with regard to problem solving and compilation of political options for action in the field of urban water management.

Interviews with national, European and global actors
Networking with the other key actors of the research focus
Analysis of stakeholder interests (state, private) and their effects on regulation (descriptive and causal)
Causal analysis of regulatory results (qualitative and – depending on data quality – statistical)
Evaluation of policy measures with regard to problem-solving

WP 6 Recommendations for action on strategy development in the field of urban water management

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Scheer, Emscher Wassertechnik GmbH, Brunnenstraße 37, 45128 Essen, e-mail: scheer@ewlw.de

Project partner
TU Berlin FG Siwawi, TU Braunschweig ISWW, TU Braunschweig IB-ISW, Mecana Umwelttechnik GmbH, Nordic Water GmbH, MARTIN Membrane Systems AG, Lippeverband, Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig GmbH

Short description
Elaboration of recommendations for strategy development regarding the evaluation and reduction of the input of microplastics via wastewater into the natural environment, including the classification of regulatory approaches:

Recommendations for action on water discharges, rainwater treatment, and agricultural utilisation
Description of technical possibilities for elimination and reduction in wastewater treatment plants, upgrading of wastewater treatment plants
Upscaling of the results for different wastewater treatment plant size classes
To show how regulatory approaches and changes can be initiated or influenced
Development of further recommendations for action and information on the overall strategy development, including the results of the social science analyses

WP 7 Coordination of the joint research project

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Scheer, Emscher Wassertechnik GmbH, Brunnenstraße 37, 45128 Essen, e-mail: scheer@ewlw.de

Short description
Technical and organisational coordination of the joint research project regarding result determination and support in disseminating findings. Among other things, the following steps were carried out for this purpose:

Technical coordination of cross-cutting topics
Coordination with the accompanying project
Organisation of project meetings and workshops overarching the research network
Creation and implementation of a communication concept
Support for the dissemination of results
Tracking of time and work planning

Coordinator

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Holger Scheer
Emscher Wassertechnik GmbH
Brunnenstraße 37
45128 Essen
Phone: +49 201 3610-120
e-mail: scheer@ewlw.de

Website

www.replawa.de

Partner Institutions

Technical University of Berlin, Department of Urban Water Management / TU Berlin FG Siwawi

Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering / ISWW

Technical University of Braunschweig, Institute for Social Sciences / IB-ISW

Nordic Water GmbH

MARTIN Membrane Systems AG

Lippeverband

Subcontractor

Mecana Umwelttechnik GmbH

Stadtentwässerung Braunschweig GmbH

Duration Period

January 2018

December 2021

Project sheet

14_Projektblatt_REPLAWA_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