Municipality

Plastikvermeidung auf kommunaler Ebene

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 11:22:05 +0000

Plastic waste prevention at the municipal level linda.mederake… Tue, 01/05/2021 - 12:22

Titelbild

Beschreibung

The discussion about plastic waste is anything but new for German municipalities. In fact, as early as the 1980s, numerous German municipalities were experimenting with plastic waste prevention regulations and waste prevention in general. A further impetus for plastic waste prevention was provided in the early 1990s with the discussions on the introduction of a nationwide packaging ordinance. After almost three decades of stagnation - including setbacks with regard to the expansion of return systems and the increase of single-use packaging - the issue of plastic prevention and packaging reduction in municipalities is now receiving renewed attention as a result of increased societal awareness and political regulations at EU level.

This book chapter by Linda Mederake (Ecologic Institute) and Dorothea Seeger (BUND) deals with the possibilities for municipal action to avoid plastics. These options range from information and awareness-raising activities to political decisions, regulatory requirements and public procurement as a driver of packaging reduction. The authors point out that the greatest untapped potential for reducing packaging waste at the municipal level lies in the areas of informal administrative action and public procurement.

The best practice examples presented in this article show that it is possible to do things differently. In addition, private-sector and civil-society initiatives can harness additional potential for plastic prevention.

Further Links

Publisher's page for the anthology "Einfach weglassen".

ISBN

978-3-96238-243-8

Year

2020

Author

Authors

Linda Mederake

Dorothea Seeger

Type of Result

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

Citation

Mederake, Linda; Seeger, Dorothea (2020): Plastikvermeidung auf kommunaler Ebene. In: Kröger, Melanie; Pape, Jens; Wittwer, Alexandra (eds.) (2020): Einfach weglassen? Ein wissenschaftliches Lesebuch zur Reduktion von Plastikverpackungen im Lebensmittelhandel. ISBN: 978-3-96238-243-8. Oekom Verlag, München.

Tags

Waste reduction

Awareness raising

Social perception

Governance

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

Publikationstyp

Vermeidung von Kunststoffeinträgen in die Umwelt durch Verpackungen

linda.mederake@ecologic.eu — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 15:10:35 +0000

Avoiding plastic packaging from entering the environment linda.mederake… Tue, 02/04/2020 - 16:10

Untertitel

A impulse paper on steering options of German municipalities

Titelbild

Beschreibung

Although the serious consequences of plastic discharges into the environment for marine and terrestrial ecosystems and for human health have become widely known in recent years, the production, consumption and (improper) disposal of plastic packaging continues to increase. Local decision-makers in particular have the influence to set direct impulses to limit and avoid the accumulation of plastic packaging waste in municipalities. This policy paper shows municipal policy options for enabling and supporting companies and consumers to reduce and avoid plastic packaging. Core elements in the support of companies are various offers and activities for the establishment of a low-packaging product range and for the expansion of reusable systems. These include advising regionally based companies (individually or collectively), supporting self-regulation, awarding best practice examples, financial incentives and public relations work. In order to support consumers, a distinction is made between large-scale consumers, private households and kindergartens and schools. Large-scale consumers can exert an influence on the use of plastic packaging, particularly in their administration and at public events. Sustainable procurement as well as reusable system imperatives and single-use bans can make a clear difference here. Private consumers can be encouraged to become more aware of plastic packaging and guided to behavior change through improved infrastructure and public relations work. In addition, day-care centres and schools can bear the potential to draw attention to the problem at an early stage, e.g. through participatory activities, teaching sessions and excursions. This paper gives an overview of the current theoretical and practical state of municipal policy options and will be further developed in the course of the "Innoredux" project.

Further Links

Download Impulse Paper (in German)

Joint project

Innoredux

Year

2020

Author

Authors

Frieder Rubik

Pauline Riousset

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Riousset, Pauline; Rubik, Frieder (2020): Vermeidung von Kunststoffeinträgen in die Umwelt durch Verpackungen: Ein Impulspapier zu Steuerungsmöglichkeiten deutscher Kommunen, Work report of the research project Innoredux. Berlin.

Tags

Publikationstyp

Querschnittsthema

Darmstädter Tage der Transformation 2020

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:39:56 +0000

Darmstadt Days of Transformation 2020 janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 11:39

Beschreibung

In October 2020, the Schader Foundation organizes the 2nd Darmstadt Days of Transformation. During the three days, events will be held in various formats on the topic of transformation.

Important key questions for the Days of Transformation are:

How can transformation processes be initiated?
What inputs must there be from science?
What kind of knowledge is needed to initiate social change processes?
How must we communicate?
How must inter- and transdisciplinary research be structured in order to implement change processes in concrete terms and which stumbling blocks need to be considered?

Applications are invited for conferences, meetings or evening events that fit thematically into this framework. These can be either closed or public events. Further information on how to apply can be found on the event's website.

Location

Darmstadt

Organiser

Schader-Stiftung

Date

05 - 07 October 2020

05. - 07. Oktober 2020

Further Links

Website of the event (in German)

Image Gallery

Tags

Communication strategy

Date sort

Mon, 10/05/2020 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

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

Tags

Sewage treatment plant

Multi-criteria evaluation

Standardization

Strategy on plastics

Plastic littering

Reduction of plastic use

Prevention of plastics

minimization strategies

Regulation

Project sheet

Project-sheet-InRePlast-2019.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

Innoredux

Stephan.Guertler — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 10:30:10 +0000

Innoredux Stephan.Guertler Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:30

Business Models for Reducing Plastic Waste along the Value Chain: Paths to Innovative Trends in Retailing

The idea and goal of Innoredux was to develop and implement innovative packaging solutions in distance and stationary retailing using a living lab research approach in order to avoid or reduce plastic waste along the value chain.

The subject of investigation and the focus of research were innovations in trade for waste prevention and reduction within the framework of business models and the underlying value chains. The potential of their expansion from niches into the mainstream was investigated. The project focussed on reduction measures through a more efficient use of materials, substitution (alternative ecologically compatible materials) and through influencing consumers' decision-making behaviour in purchasing. Such innovative reduction measures can contribute significantly to the reduction of plastic discharges into the environment and at the same time generate competitive advantages.

In a living lab in the city of Heidelberg, business models were tested and implemented in cooperation with a number of partners from the retail sector and civil society. On the basis of the results of the living lab, guidelines for municipalities and companies were developed. The project focused on four product groups: food, cosmetics, office supplies and textiles.

Main areas of work

Analysis of interdependencies and decision-making processes along the value chain (production - trade - consumption)
Development of innovative business models to avoid packaging
Testing of innovative approaches for low-plastic packaging in a living lab in Heidelberg
Balancing the ecological, economic and social impacts of the business models identified as innovative
Development and dissemination of guidelines for companies and municipalities

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Developing a typology of plastic waste prevention business models through innovative packaging solutions

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, dm, Memo, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

In a first step, existing business models that contribute to the reduction of packaging (especially plastic packaging) along the value chain were examined and categorised. The project partners analysed existing innovative, instructive and plastic-reducing solutions with a strong leverage effect and estimated the reduction potential via quantity balances (waste types, waste quantities, etc.).

WP 2 Balancing, identification of best practices and success factors

Contact person

Dr. Pauline Riousset, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Potsdamerstraße 105, 10785 Berlin
e-mail: pauline.riousset@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

This work package analysed the ecological, social and economic impacts of business model innovations and identifies their success factors. To this end, key data and model examples were collected as preparatory work for the company checklists and the handbook for a municipal concept for comprehensive plastic prevention and reduction (so-called "conceptual handbook for municipalities"; WP 4). The potential impact of municipal support was assessed.

WP 3 Design of options for action and testing in a living lab

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

This work package included the implementation of a living lab with retail companies, the City of Heidelberg, BUND and consumers. Here, a strategy to reduce plastic waste, consisting of suggestions to improve business models and support from municipalities, was developed and tested.
Case studies: A living lab was conducted, i. e. a geographically and temporally defined testing area was created in which knowledge was exchanged, strategic partnerships were generated and solutions were tested. Together with the associated partners, the objectives and intention of the intervention/experiments and questions were defined (co-design) before options for action were developed and adapted and tested in a strategy for the local context of Heidelberg. The effects of the living lab were evaluated during the process.

WP 4 Strategy development and development of company checklists and conceptual guidelines for municipalities

Contact person

Dr. Pauline Riousset, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Potsdamerstraße 105, 10785 Berlin
e-mail: pauline.riousset@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

The living lab results from WP 3 were transferred into the context of the considered product groups and the existing strategies are revised. The research results were used to develop company checklists and a conceptual handbook for municipalities and the dissemination phase were prepared (cf. WP 5).

WP 5 Dissemination of results

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partner

ifeu

Short description

The transdisciplinary research approach required a reciprocal, project-accompanying transfer of knowledge and results. Therefore, an integrative work package was planned that encompasses all project work and affects all actors. In this work package, the focus was on describing the communication measures on the basis of the analysis of target groups and goals. The communication measures were based on the pillars "Information" - "Best Practice" - "Training" - "Imitation".

Coordinator

Dr. Frieder Rubik
Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW)
Bergstraße 7
69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221-64916-6
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Website

www.plastik-reduzieren.de

Partner Institutions

ifeu – Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg

Associated Partners

Alnatura GmbH

Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg

Avocado Store GmbH

Friends of the Earth Germany / BUND

Friends of the Earth Baden-Württemberg, Group in the District of Heidelberg / BUND Heidelberg

dm-drogerie markt GmbH & Co. KG / dm

Duration Period

February 2019

January 2022

Project sheet

Project-sheet-Innoredux-2019.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

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

Methodology of analyses

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

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

sampling

Sample purification

Pyrolysis GC

Raman microspectroscopy

Environmental sustainability

Scanning electron microscopy

Plasticiser

Project sheet

18_Projektblatt_PLAWES_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

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

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

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

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Project sheet

16_Projektblatt_MicroPlaTas_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

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

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

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