Polymer analysis

Analytics

Sampling

Detection

Prasanna Ramesh (Programming)

Polymer

Polymer analysis

Raman microspectroscopy

Publikationstyp

Quiz: Plastik in der Umwelt - Was wissen Sie?

Mandy — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:21:04 +0000

Quiz: Plastic in the Environment – What do you know? Mandy Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:21

Titelbild

Beschreibung

When I wash a polyester fleece jacket, can microplastics get into the water? How many climate-damaging greenhouse gases are released annually due to the global production of plastics and what is chemical recycling?

Plastics are all around us and make up an essential part of our daily lives. How much do we know about this material, its variety, the associated environmental problems and possible solutions? The quiz "Plastics in the environment - What do you know?" invites you to test your knowledge around the topic of plastics in five categories. Furthermore, the category "Questions for adults & children" contains questions suited for children.

The quiz was developed within this research focus. The quiz is available on this website and is suitable for all common browsers on computers and mobile devices.

Further Links

Link zum Quiz

Year

2020

Author

Mandy Hinzmann (Content)

Janna Vakili (Content)

Lena Aebli (Design)

Authors

Type of Result

educational material

Tags

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

Simple Generation of Suspensible Secondary Microplastic Reference Particles via Ultrasound Treatment

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:44:34 +0000

Simple Generation of Suspensible Secondary Microplastic Reference Particles via Ultrasound Treatment janna.vakili@e… Tue, 03/31/2020 - 17:44

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Beschreibung

Microplastics found in nature originate from different sources can be classified accordingly. Primary microplastics are produced as such, whereas secondary microplastics are only created through the weathering of larger plastic parts in the environment.

This paper deals with the production of suitable reference materials for the determination of secondary microplastics, which presents a highly heterogeneous analyte, as it can vary in size, shape, suspensibility in water and particle surface (through aging).

Von der Esch et al. succeeded in developing materials that can provide a correspondingly complex profile. The procedure yields fragments in the range of 100 nm−1mm, which are sufficiently similar in their properties to secondary microplastics that they can be considered suitable reference materials.

The publication is available for download on this website.

Joint project

SubμTrack

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2020.00169

Magazine

Frontiers in Chemistry

Year

2020

Author

Elisabeth von der Esch

Maria Lanzinger

Alexander J. Kohles

Christian Schwaferts

Jana Weisser

Thomas Hofmann

Karl Glas

Martin Elsner

Natalia P. Ivleva

Authors

Type of Result

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

Tags

Publikationstyp

Nanoplastic Analysis by Online Coupling of Raman Microscopy and Field-Flow Fractionation Enabled by Optical Tweezers

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 14:25:20 +0000

Nanoplastic Analysis by Online Coupling of Raman Microscopy and Field-Flow Fractionation Enabled by Optical Tweezers janna.vakili@e… Tue, 03/31/2020 - 16:25

Titelbild

Beschreibung

Plastic particles are almost omnipresent in our environment. Even though nanoplastic pollution also falls into this area of concern, current analytical approaches reach their limits in this size range.

To address the problem, Schwaferts et al. couple two analytical methods and combine nanoparticle separation with chemical characterization. The methodological setup presented in the paper enables researchers to identify particles of different materials (polymers and inorganic) in the size range from 200 nm to 5 μm, with concentrations in the order of 1 mg/L. The presented technique thus shows potential for application in nanoplastic analysis as well as in many other areas of nanomaterial characterization.

The publication is available for download on this website.

Joint project

SubμTrack

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.9b05336

Magazine

Analytical Chemistry

Year

2020

Author

Christian Schwaferts

Vanessa Sogne

Roland Welz

Florian Meier

Thorsten Klein

Reinhard Niessner

Martin Elsner

Natalia P. Ivleva

Authors

Type of Result

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

Tags

Publikationstyp

Neuer Sonderforschungsbereich zu Mikroplastik

Stephan.Guertler — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 09:43:51 +0000

New Collaborative Research Centre on Microplastics Stephan.Guertler Mon, 12/10/2018 - 10:43

Untertitel

University of Bayreuth Intensifies Microplastics Research

Titelbild

Further Links

Press release of the University of Bayreuth regarding the new Collaborative Res…

Beschreibung

At the University of Bayreuth, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is to establish a new Collaborative Research Centre (CRC). Its purpose is to investigate the biological effects of microplastics in the environment, including its migration and formation.

During the next four years, more than 30 scientists will examine the processes and mechanisms that

cause biological effects of microplastics in limnic and terrestrial ecosystems,
influence migration of the microplastic particles within and between environmental compartments,
cause the formation of microplastics from macroplastics.

The findings should provide a scientifically sound basis for the evaluation of the environmental risks of microplastics. Using the results of the basic research, new environmentally friendly plastics shall be developed, which have no adverse effects on organisms.

CRC 1357: "MICROPLASTICS – Understanding the mechanisms and processes of biological effects, transport and formation: From model to complex systems as a basis for new solutions"

The new Collaborative Research Centre will be headed by Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch, Professor for Animal Ecology at the University of Bayreuth. Prof. Dr. Laforsch also coordinates the joint project PLAWES, that investigates the effects of microplastics on ecosystems in the Weser-Wadden Sea system.

Date

10 December 2018

Tags

Environmental sustainability

Date sort

Mon, 12/10/2018 - 12:00

Bildunterschrift

Poster of the new CRC. Image: Chair of Animal Ecology / University of Bayreuth

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Aus

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

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

Environmental sustainability

sampling

Sample purification

Pyrolysis GC

Raman microspectroscopy

Scanning electron microscopy

Plasticiser

Project sheet

18_Projektblatt_PLAWES_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

https://www.uni-muenster.de/Mikroplatas/en/index.html

MikroPlaTaS

KALEH — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 08:53:43 +0000

MikroPlaTas KALEH Wed, 12/20/2017 - 09:53

Microplastics in Dams and Reservoirs: Sedimentation, Spread, Effects

The spread of microplastics in rivers showed that along a given waterway there are sources as well as sinks. Thus, dams and reservoirs constitute important but until now hardly investigated parts of a water system that serve as examples for risk vs. usefulness of sedimentation of microplastics. Biofilms, which grow on microplastics, have a special significance for their transport and sedimentation. The goals of this project were (I) to identify and characterise microplastic in water and sediment, (II) to understand how biofilms form on plastic and how sedimentation occurs on these grown-over particles, (III) to record how microplastics affect and are taken up by individual organisms as well as by entire communities in model ecosystems, and (IV) to synthesise the scientific results and draft practical recommendations based on them. This synthesis emphasised identifying pathways to eliminate microplastics and to derive practical measures and risk assessments together with the project partners.

Main areas of work

Distribution and sedimentation of microplastics and fauna in situ
Characterisation of microplastics with regard to biofilm communities and sedimentation mechanisms
Direct effects of microplastic on invertebrate species and complex biocenoses
Influence of plastics on the food quality of biofilms for Grazer

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Survey plastics and meio- and microfauna in dams and reservoirs

Contact person
PD Dr. Katrin Wendt-Potthoff, UFZ, Department of Lake Research, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, e-mail: katrin.wendt-potthoff@ufz.de

Project partner
WWU, Bielefeld University

Short description
The aim was to estimate the contamination of various dammed waters with microplastics, to identify the relevant polymers and to determine the respective typical macro- and meiofauna. Different service water reservoirs (e.g. Bautzen in Saxony) as well as the dammed Ems, the Lippe and the former Rieselfelder Münster in North Rhine-Westphalia were adhesively investigated.

WP 2 In situ experiments on sedimentation rates and settlement

Contact person
PD Dr. Katrin Wendt-Potthoff, UFZ, Department of Lake Research, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, e-mail: katrin.wendt-potthoff@ufz.de

Project partner
WWU, Bielefeld University

Short description
The aim was to determine field sedimentation rates in the course of a year with regard to total mass and microplastics. For this purpose, sediment traps were applied to the deepest points of the waters, at minimum, and evaluated monthly with regard to the total mass of plastics and organisms of the meiofauna. As a result, a relationship is established between plastic load in the water column, total sedimentation rate and plastic sedimentation rate.

WP 3 Characterisation of biofilms on different polymers

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Bodo Philipp, University of Münster, Institute of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Corrensstraße 3, 48149 Münster, e-mail: bodo.philipp@uni-muenster.de

Project partner
UFZ, UP, Bielefeld University

Short description
In this work package, the microbial communities on plastic particles were examined with regard to taxonomic composition and function in order to derive hypotheses on processes at the sites that can be checked in WPs 4 – 6. Particular attention was paid to whether there is a characteristic microflora on microplastic particles and whether individual types of plastic differ. Furthermore, mechanisms of biofilm formation on microplastic particles were explained. Cultivation-dependent and -independent investigations were carried out with samples from WP 1 and WP 2 and later with mesocosmic samples (WP 5). A collection of strains is to be generated in the first project year so that it can be used for WP 5 and WP 6.

WP 4 Influence of biofilm colonisation, light and redox processes on microplastic sedimentation

Contact person
PD Dr. Katrin Wendt-Potthoff, UFZ, Department of Lake Research, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, e-mail:katrin.wendt-potthoff@ufz.de

Project partner
WWU, Bielefeld University

Short description
Experiments under controlled conditions determined how light and redox ratios (concentration of O2 and iron) influence the sedimentation of plastic particles either directly or by controlling colonisation. The influence of these factors on sedimentation was studied to simulate the transition from pelagic to benthic habitat. To what extent light or darkness and oxic or anoxic conditions per se, but also their change, can control the sinking behaviour of plastic particles was determined.

WP 5 Direct effect of plastic particles on invertebrates

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Walter Traunspurger, Bielefeld University, Department of Animal Ecology, Konsequenz 45, 33615 Bielefeld, e-mail: traunspurger@uni-bielefeld.de

Project partner
WWU, UP, Ecossa, Mesocosm

Short description
The uptake and effect of microplastics for aquatic organisms was tested in experimental systems (single-species to model ecosystems) to assess risks for pelagic and benthic fauna. A harmful effect in the organism requires an uptake into the body, either through the ingestion of the particles themselves or through transfer in the food chain (biomagnification). In case of harmful effects, indirect effects (top-down, bottom-up) can occur and thus affect organisms not directly affected by microplastic. In order to evaluate the food web as fully as possible, experiments with increasing ecological complexity and relevance were carried out for pelagic and benthic invertebrates to elucidate the effect on organisms, populations and communities and to reduce the interpretation gap between laboratory and field results.

WP 6 Influence of plastics on the food quality of biofilm for meio and macro grazers

Contact person
Dr. Friederike Gabel, University of Münster, Institute of Landscape Ecology, Heisenbergstraße 2, 48149 Münster, e-mail: gabelf@uni-muenster.de

Project partner
UP, Bielefeld University, UFZ

Short description
The aim of this WP was to identify indirect effects of microplastic on meio and macrofauna organisms by influencing the nutritional basis. Biofilms (especially bacteria, fungi, protozoa) form an important food basis for meio and macrofauna in waters. The quality of these biofilms can therefore have a significant influence on the composition and vitality of the organisms grazing them. For grazing experiments, macro invertebrates were offered different overgrown plastic strips for grazing. Ingestion and excretion rates, growth and, in the case of snails, the reproduction of organisms were investigated.

WP 7 Coordination, public relations, knowledge transfer

Contact person
Dr. Friederike Gabel, University of Münster, Institute of Landscape Ecology, Heisenbergstraße 2, 48149 Münster, e-mail: gabelf@uni-muenster.de

PD Dr. Katrin Wendt-Potthoff, UFZ, Department of Lake Research, Brückstraße 3a, 39114 Magdeburg, e-mail: katrin.wendt-potthoff@ufz.de

Project partner

UP, Bielefeld University, Ecossa, Mesocosm

Short description
The aim was to communicate project results to specific target groups both within the consortium and to the general public (children, students, authorities and scientists). The practical partners (The State Reservoir Administration of Saxony, Lower Water and Landscape Authority of the City of Hamm, Academy of nature and Environmental Protection NRW) played an important role here. The multiplier effect of the addressed target groups promoted the project results and the topic of plastics in the environment and this sensitisation created a broader acceptance for the recommendations for action that arose from the research focus.

Coordinator

PD Dr. Katrin Wendt-Potthoff
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ,
Department of Lake Research
Brückstraße 3a
39114 Magdeburg
Phone: +49 391 8109810
e-mail: katrin.wendt-potthoff@ufz.de

Website

Partner Institutions

University of Münster / WWU

University of Potsdam / UP

Bielefeld University

Ecossa

Institute for Water Protection Mesocosm GmbH

Duration Period

January 2018

September 2021

Tags

Information and teaching materials

16_Projektblatt_MicroPlaTas_ENG_2018.pdf

Project sheet

Koordinator label

http://www.emistop.de/page8.html

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

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

Sewage treatment plant

Environmental accounting

Polymer analysis

Polypropylene (PP)

Polystyrene (PS)

15_Projektblatt_EmiStop_ENG_2018.pdf

Project sheet

Koordinator label

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

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

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

Waste management

High density polyethylene PE-HD

Environmental accounting

Optimization process

Plastic littering

Reduction of plastic use

Polyamide (PA)

Polyester

Polyethylene (PE)

13_Projektblatt_KUWERT_ENG_2018.pdf

Resource conservation

Risk assessment

Secondary raw materials

Sorting

Stakeholder

Material flow managment

Project sheet

Koordinator label