Mixed water

Mikroplastik im Abwasser - ein Problem?

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 13:06:47 +0000

Canceled: Microplastics in wastewater - a problem? janna.vakili@e… Thu, 02/20/2020 - 14:06

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The event was canceled due to Covid-19.

One pathway of microplastics entering the aquatic environment is wastewater. Hence urban water management has become the focus of environmental policy discussions in Germany. This DWA seminar is intended to provide a technical overview of the current state of affairs and currently discussed approaches to microplastics in the field of urban water management. It is aimed specifically at practitioners and experts (e.g. sewage plant operators, engineering offices, supervisory authorities).

Further information on current events of the DWA can be found on the DWA events calendar (in German).

Location

Kassel, Germany

Organiser

German Association for Water Management, Wastewater and Waste (DWA)

Date

01 October 2020

Further Links

DWA events calendar (in German)

Image Gallery

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

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

RUSEKU

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:00:50 +0000

RUSEKU KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 16:00

Representative Investigation Strategies for an Integrative System Approach to Specific Emissions of Plastics into the Environment

This project developed representative investigation methods and strategies for an integrative system understanding of relevant plastic entry paths into the environmental compartment water. The developed sampling methods were evaluated in terms of their concentration concept, their local use, their sampling throughput, and their selectivity for particles of different properties, sizes, and shapes. For this purpose, defined microplastic particles were produced with these varying characteristics and tested for representative recovery of sampling procedures in the laboratory and in semi-industrial simulation facilities. The methods developed in this way were translated into specific investigation strategies, adapted - with the aid of supporting simulation methods - and then applied to real environmental areas for different transport paths in the urban wastewater system. In addition to the academic understanding of microplastic entry points, causes and pathways, market-ready methods for efficient microplastic sampling were developed in cooperation with the companies involved. These methods form a basis for evaluation by legislators and for standardisation.

Main areas of work

Development of efficient, integrative and representative research methods and strategies (accuracy, repeatability, transferability) for the determination of relevant microplastic contents over the different areas of the water cycle
Establishment of goal-oriented, analytical methods for the detection of microplastic particles according to practical aspects
Simulations of the dynamics of particles in water bodies in semi-industrial laboratory tests
Further development of sampling to quantify the microplastic volume and transport in the real, urban waste water system for the waste water fractions: precipitation water, domestic waste water, and industrial waste water
Generation of a simulation code for the dynamics of microplastic particles in waters

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Production of microplastics and microplastic suspensions

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Gehde, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Institute for Materials Handling and Plastics, Reichenhainer Straße 70, 09126 Chemnitz, e-mail: michael.gehde@mb.tu-chemnitz.de

Project partner
BAM, TUB, PlasticsEurope

Short description
First, defined, heterogeneous microplastic mixtures were developed for the environmental testing in water and soil. After the initial use of existing materials (e.g. particles from cryogenic grinding, commercial products), plants for the realistic and defined production of microplastic particles were set up during the project period: UV degradation systems for thin-walled, defined materials, dry or aqueous mechanical abrasion systems for fibres from textile applications, and abrasion simulation systems for the generation of spherical particles. The other project partners contributed to the characterisation of these model materials by applying their analytical methods.

WP 2 Development of sampling methods

Contact person
Dr. Claus Gerhard Bannick, Federal Environmental Agency, Corrensplatz 1, 14195 Berlin, e-mail: claus-gerhard.bannick@uba.de

Project partner
UGT, CSP, SMB, TUK, GEA, GKD, SVEI

Short description
In WP 2, efficient, reliable and reproducible sampling methods and strategies were developed for the microplastic model particles of different varieties, densities, sizes and shapes in the stream simulation facility at UBA. Their usability and reproducibility was also investigated for routine operation and the methods will be evaluated based on the recovery rates of experiments. The individual project partners optimised their analytical procedures: from the use of conventional flow-through centrifuges to the cascade filtration system, suspended matter traps, hydrodynamic modelling, and lysimeter tests to the control of possible input into groundwater.

WP 3 Simulations

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Manhart, Technical University of Munich, Associate Professorship of Hydromechanics, Arcisstraße 21, 80333 München, e-mail: m.manhart@bv.tum.de

Project partner
KMT

Short description
The methodological developments from WP 2 were supported by accompanying simulations in WP 3. These simulations resulted in a description of the vertical distributions of spheroids at different particle sizes and shapes in a turbulent surface water or stream simulation facility. The models and results were integrated into a software that simulates geometrically complex, application-oriented cases. A sampling strategy was derived from the simulation results. Relevant material parameters of the particles such as size distribution, real density or surface properties from WP 1 as well as from partners from WP 5 were included.

WP 4 Sampling of real environmental compartment

Contact person
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Heidrun Steinmetz, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Institute of Water - Infrastructure - Resources, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 14, 67663 Kaiserslautern, e-mail: heidrun.steinmetz@bauing.uni-kl.de

Project partner
UBA, TUM, KMT

Short description
The main focus of WP 4 were the quantification of the microplastic volume and transport in the real, urban wastewater system for the wastewater and precipitation water, domestic wastewater (partial flows grey and black water), industrial wastewater, and mixed wastewater. The findings from the sampling in WP 2 were implemented and improved. Further work focused on sample preparation and preservation to evaluate the comparability of different sampling strategies. The investigations focused on the quantities and the importance of microplastic volumes in the individual entry points of the urban wastewater system into the water bodies.

WP 5 Analytics

Contact person
Dr. Ulrike Braun, Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Division 5.3 Mechanics of Polymers, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, e-mail: ulrike.braun@bam.de

Project partner
CSP, TUM, FHI

Short description
The analytics used in the individual work packages were based on the requirements for sample preparation and analytical procedures as well as on the necessary information to be generated, not on the general feasibility. WP 5 served the intensive exchange of results generated with complementary analytical methods. In addition, the respective methods, supported by the results of the other project partners, were further refined and adapted.

Case studies

As a real environmental simulation, individual components of the wastewater system of the city of Kaiserslautern were investigated. In concrete terms, precipitation water was sampled here on settlement and traffic areas as well as domestic and industrial wastewater.

In addition, air sampling was also carried out at the limits of comparable sampling sites at locations in Berlin and in the Halle/Leipzig area. The planned lysimeter tests were carried out in Berlin and thus allow an assessment of groundwater recharge in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Coordinator

Dr. Ulrike Braun
Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing / BAM
Unter den Eichen 87
12205 Berlin
Phone: +49 30 8104-4317
e-mail: ulrike.braun@bam.de

Website

https://netzwerke.bam.de/ruseku

Partner Institutions

Federal Environmental Agency / UBA

Technical University of Chemnitz / TUC

Fraunhofer Centre for Silicon Photovoltaics / CSP

Technical University of Kaiserslautern / TUK

Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society / FHI

Technical University of Munich / TUM

Technical University of Berlin / TUB

SmartMembranes GmbH / SMB

Kreuzinger und Manhart Turbulenz GmbH / KMT