Fact sheet 10.1: Microplastic contents in the environment

Consumers are often unaware that millions of tonnes of plastic are improperly released into the environment. This can happen not only through improper disposal, but also through microplastic release from tyres or textiles. In the environment, the plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces through exposure to sun or water and is dispersed by water or wind.

The joint project RUSEKU has developed representative investigation methods that can measure the microplastic content across the different areas of the water cycle more accurately and more quickly. The focus was on sampling methods in the urban wastewater system and in flowing waters.

The factsheet is available for download here.