Microplastics
SUMMARY
Coordinated actions toward sharing knowledge on analysing microplastic pollution in the Adriatic region by synchronized methodologies in order to determine microplastic types and quantities on sea surface, near riverine outflows, beach sediment and in biota.
In the WP5, called Microplastic, we will focus on litter of plastic material, between 0,3 and 5 mm in size, polluting Adriatic sea. We will analyse microplastic presence in a common and synchronized way in the entire Adriatic Sea, on the sea surface and near riverine outflows, in beach sediment and in biota. We will achieve this by sampling sea surface (including near riverine outflow) and beach sediments in areas where marine litter, including microplastics, are accummulating, which will be done with the model done by one of our partners, CMCC. We will also analyse microplastic presence in sea surface and in biota in areas that are very popular for fishing activities, in order to see potential correlation with microplastic pollution and how much microplastic is present in areas our food comes from. We will do this in coordinated and synchronized approach, with equipment that will enable comparison of the results among countries and among other European and World researches. Microplastic particles that we will isolate from our samples, will be analysed at KI for their chemical characterisation, to make sure if it is really plastic material.
One of our partners will concentrate to analysing if microplastic particles have persistent organic pollutants addhered to it, in what concentration. With the information of what type of plastic particles are it will be easier to determine their origin and sources, which is one of the most important results we would like to get during our work. Our results and findings will be presented to key stakeholders and wider public. Besides estimating how much microplastic it is in our regional sea, we will focus attention also to developing new approaches to detecting and analysing litter even in smaller sizes, less than 0,3mm, called »nanoplastic«.
OVERARCHING AIM
In line with Ecosystem approach development of first regionally synchronized assessment of microplastics (plastic particles in size < 5 mm) presence and distribution in the marine environment
OBJECTIVES
- To develop regional approach to monitoring and assessment of microplastics (<5mm) and nanoplastics (<0.3mm)
- To identify possible accumulations spots and overview of possible sources
- To identify occurrence of microplastics in commercial fish species
- Exchange of knowledge/experience among partners and key stakeholders
- Development of common database
- To prepare the basis for management and marine spatial planning activities