Method validation

Statuspapier Mikroplastik-Analytik

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:22:16 +0000

Analysis of Microplastics - Sampling, preparation and detection methods hannes.schritt… Mon, 06/28/2021 - 15:22

Untertitel

Status Report

Titelbild

Beschreibung

This status report was prepared within the framework of the cross-cutting topic 1 "Analytics and reference materials" of the research focus. It summarizes the contents of the project discussions and coordination within the cross-cutting issue. The organization of this ongoing process of development or elaboration has been supported by several events.

The status report presents a summary of the physicochemical methods for the analysis of MP used in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment". The present recommendations are based on the current state of knowledge of the analysis of MP and are directed at actors in science as well as potential users in practice.

Scientists from the following collaborative projects of the research focus participated in the preparation of the status report via workshops, contributions and feedback loops: EmiStop, ENSURE, MicBin, MicroCatch_Balt, MikroPlaTaS, PLASTRAT, PLAWES, RAU, REPLAWA, RUSEKU, SubμTrack and TextileMission as well as the two predecessor projects MiWa and BASEMAN.

Further Links

Link to Status Report

Year

2020

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Citation

Braun, Ulrike & Stein, Ulf & Schritt, Hannes & Altmann, Korinna & Bannick, Claus & Becker, Roland & Bitter, Hajo & Bochow, Mathias & Dierkes, Georg & Enders, Kristina & Eslahian, Kyriakos & Fischer, Dieter & Földi, Corinna & Fuchs, Monika & Gerdts, Gunnar & Hagendorf, Christian & Heller, Claudia & Ivleva, Natalia & Jekel, Martin & Kerpen, Jutta & Klaeger, Fraziska & Knoop, Oliver & Labrenz, Matthias & Laforsch, Christian & Obermaier, Nathan & Primpke, Sebastian & Reiber, Jens & Richter, Susanne & Ricking, Mathias & Scholz-Böttcher, Barbara & Stock, Friederike & Wagner, Stephan & Wendt-Potthoff, Katrin & Zumbülte, Nicole (2021): Analysis of Microplastics - Sampling, preparation and detection methods. Status Report within the framework program Plastics in the Environment.

Tags

Sewage

Analytics

Sampling

Soil

Raman microspectroscopy

Publikationstyp

Factsheet 11: Mikroplastik in der Abwasserbehandlung - Methodenentwicklung für Probenahme und Analyse zur Erfassung der Eintragsmengen in Oberflächengewässer

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Thu, 06 May 2021 12:46:43 +0000

Factsheet 11: Microplastics in wastewater treatment - Development of sampling and analysis methods for detection of input quantities into surface waters janna.vakili@e… Thu, 05/06/2021 - 14:46

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Photo: © Institute of Hydroscience, University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich

Beschreibung

It is not easy to determine how much microplastic is contained in wastewater and sewage sludge. In addition to plastic, countless other particles and substances are present. To reliably determine the concentration of microplastic particles, complex procedures for sampling as well as for removal of foreign substances and analysis of the microplastic particles are required.

The PLASTRAT research team has set itself the task of developing methods for these procedures and thus advancing the detection of inputs to surface waters. In this context, they provide important insights into the relevance of wastewater treatment plants as a retention option for plastic particles.

The project focuses on the quantification and technical reduction potential of plastic emissions in the field of urban water management, including sewage sludge treatment. The results on method development have been summarized in the 11th fact sheet of the research focus. The fact sheet is available for PDF download here.

Attachments

Factsheet 11 of the BMBF Research Focus Plastics in the Environment.

Joint project

PLASTRAT

Year

2021

Author

Authors

Natalie Wick

Steffen Krause

Christian Schaum

Franziska Fischer

Dieter Fischer

Franziska Klaeger

Juliana Ivar do Sul

Matthias Labrenz

Type of Result

factsheets

Citation

Wick, Natalie; Krause, Steffen; Schaum, Christian; Fischer, Franziska; Fischer, Dieter; Klaeger, Franziska; Ivar do Sul, Juliana; Labrenz, Matthias (2020): Microplastics in wastewater treatment: Development of sampling and analysis methods for detection of input quantities into surface waters. Fact sheet 11 of the BMBF research focus „Plastics in the Environment“.

Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

QST1: Vergleichsversuch

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:52:50 +0000

Cross-Cutting Topic 1: Analytics and Reference Materials: Comparative test janna.vakili@e… Fri, 02/12/2021 - 10:52

Untertitel

Results

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Beschreibung

This comparative test from cross-cutting topic 1 "Analytics and reference materials" classifies different analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics regarding their informative value and to work out the strengths and limitations of the respective methods. The comparative test was intended to provide the pre-requisites for comparing the analytical results of the individual projects within a given framework. No evaluation of the different analytical methods is intended.

Both thermoanalytical and spectroscopic methods were used. It was shown that the different analytical methods for the identification and quantification of microplastics provide comparable results within the respective procedures.

The results of the comparative test are available here as a PDF download.

Attachments

Cross-Cutting Topic 1: Analytics and Reference Materials: Comparative test

Year

2021

Author

Authors

PD Dr. Natalia Ivleva

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Heinz Sturm

Cordula Witzig

Dr. Nicole Zumbülte

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Methodology of analyses

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polymer

Polymer analysis

Raman microspectroscopy

Publikationstyp

Portugiesische Webplattform berichtet über das Verbundprojekt EmiStop

KALEH — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 14:06:04 +0000

Portuguese web platform reports on the joint project EmiStop KALEH Mon, 07/15/2019 - 16:06

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Further Links

Canal Ambiental Tech4health

EmiStop

Beschreibung

Plastics have become an integral part of our everyday lives, and cause many environmental impacts. The pollution microplastics is increasingly in focus. First, these tiny particles were discovered in the oceans, then were found in lakes and rivers and eventually the soil. "Plastic particles are everywhere," says Luisa Barkmann , a doctoral student in the area of waste water technology of the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt), in Germany. In his dissertation, she studied the presence of micro-plastics in municipal sewage treatment stations. Now, on his doctorate, she is dedicated to wastewater industry. She looks closely, especially the production companies and plastics processing: in which value chain stages and for which the plastic particles channels enter the environment? And what is the industry's share in the global burden?

As part of the joint project EmiStop, research teams based in Darmstadt are analyzing industrial wastewater to calculate their participation in contamination by micro - plastics. Not an easy task, because even sampling is a challenge, says Luisa Barkmann. For each company, she had to think of an individual strategy, as companies are different not only in their production processes, but also in its channels and water management systems. Many do not know how much wastewater is generated in a given area. And not only in manufacturing but also in particularly microplastic further processing and transfer to the environment.

The full article is available on the Portuguese platform Canal Ambiental Tech4health in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Date

25 September 2018

Tags

Sewage

Methodology of analyses

Date sort

Tue, 09/25/2018 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

Bildergalerie

Diskussionspapier Mikroplastik-Analytik

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Thu, 18 Oct 2018 13:03:04 +0000

Discussion Paper: Microplastics Analytics hannes.schritt… Thu, 10/18/2018 - 15:03

Untertitel

Sampling, Preparation and Detection Methods

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Beschreibung

The discussion paper was developed based on the state of the art and the discussions in the research focus "Plastics in the Environment – Sources • Sinks • Solutions" with the aim of collectiong the physicochemical investigation methods used in the research focus, in particular for the analysis of microplastics. In order to achieve this goal, methods and analytical apporaches were discussed across the joint research projects in order to achieve validated methods and comparable results in the various projects for each specific question. The discussion paper, which is now available for download, reflects the current state the debate within the research focus and is intended to contribute to a pool of methods that is as standardised as possible for the relevant application fields in science, industry and administration.

This first version was published in October 2018. The discussion paper will be updated annually in the course of the research focus.

Attachments

Discussion Paper Mikroplastics Analytics Nov 2018.pdf

Year

2018

Type of Result

discussion papers & status papers

Tags

Analytics

Methods development

Methodology of analyses

Publikationstyp

1. Workshop „Probenahme, Probenaufarbeitung und Analytik“

hannes.schritt@ecologic.eu — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:59:56 +0000

1. Workshop „Probenahme, Probenaufarbeitung und Analytik“ hannes.schritt… Mon, 07/09/2018 - 16:59

Untertitel

1. Workshop "Sampling, Sample Preparation and Analytic"

Titelbild

Beschreibung

Around 50 scientists from 12 collaborative projects of the research focus on plastics in the environment met for a first exchange on sampling, sample preparation and analysis of microplastics at the Water Technology Center (TZW) in Karlsruhe. The workshop, organized by TZW and the Ecologic Institute, aimed to coordinate and learn from each other the many difficulties in identifying and quantifying microplastics from water or soil samples.

The workshop marked the beginning of the cross-cutting theme of sampling, sample preparation and analytics, which is one of the current five cross-cutting themes within the research field of “Plastics in the Environment”. In the cross-cutting issue, many scientists will network with each other over the next three years and significantly advance the development of methods for identifying and quantifying microplastics in the environment.

In the workshop, led by Prof. Dr. Martin Jekel, both the methods already used in the MiWa project and the previous approaches of the twelve joint projects were presented and discussed together. The particular difficulties in identifying and quantifying microplastics became apparent in the two days. Harmonization and comparability of the methods is sought by all participants. The workshop was a successful prelude to productive cooperation over the coming months and years.

Location

Karlsruhe

Date

21 March 2018

Event type

Research Focus Event

Image Gallery

Tags

Analytics

Methodology of analyses

Date sort

Tue, 03/20/2018 - 12:00

Hide on overview

Aus

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

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

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

Methodology of analyses

Sewage treatment plant

Environmental accounting

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polymer analysis

Polypropylene (PP)

Polystyrene (PS)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

Project sheet

15_Projektblatt_EmiStop_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

SubμTrack

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 15:21:00 +0000

SubμTrack KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 16:21

Tracking of (Sub)Microplastics of Different Identities - Innovative Analysis Tools for Toxicological and Process-engineering Evaluation

The methods currently available for the analysis of microplastics in environmental matrices were primarily designed for particles in the size range of 1 μm to 5 mm. Smaller particles below 1 μm were hardly detected. However in contrast to larger particles, these are able to enter cells and have a higher potential for adsorption of pollutants due to their relatively larger surface. SubμTrack focuses on plastic particles between 50 nm and 100 μm, because of their higher ecotoxicological relevance. For this purpose, the previously available detection range was extended and new methods for sampling, sample preparation, and analysis were developed. Another focus of the project were the possible effects of submicroplastic particles on the aquatic environment and on human health. The results of these studies were complemented by an assessment of the social, political and legal dimensions of plastic emission into the environment. By analysing the perception of the problem and possible strategies for action, foundations were laid for active processes of social change. The results were also examined regarding to their implementation in legislation, standardisation, and their relevance for voluntary actions.

Main areas of work

Characterisation of particles and comparison with reference materials
Impact on the aquatic environment and human health
Social, political and legal dimensions of plastic emission into the environment

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 0 Organisation, coordination and public relations

Contact persons
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg E. Drewes, Technical University of Munich, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, e-mail: j.drewes@tum.de

Project partner
TUM-IWC, TUM-LTI, TUM-LAS, TUM-MCTS, IGOE, LfU, UBA, IUTA, Postnova Analytics GmbH, BS-Partikel GmbH

Short description
In addition to the coordination of results and products within the consortium, WP 0 also included the coordination of activities with partners outside the project. The goal was the sustainable implementation of the analytical techniques, the results and the instructions for action of harmonised strategies in close cooperation with national and international key institutions. The public relations work was mainly coordinated by TUM-SWW and effectively implemented by partners of different orientations.

WP 1 Selection and production of reference particles

Contact persons
Dr. Carmen Nickel, Dr. Jochen Türk, Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology e. V. (IUTA), Bliersheimer Str. 58- 60, 47229 Duisburg, e-mail: nickel@iuta.de; tuerk@iuta.de

Project partner
LfU, BS-Partikel GmbH

Short description
Together with the partners of BS-Partikel and the leaders of the experimental WPs 2 – 5 the required reference particles were identified. In particular, the size, material, marking and the availability of the particles played an important role. The reference particles were selected during the initial phase of the project in order to have enough time to fabricate or purchase the particles at the beginning of the experiments. The project partners BS-Partikel and IUTA then provided the corresponding particles.

WP 2 Comprehensive analysis of microplastic particles

Contact persons
Prof. Dr. Martin Elsner, Dr. Natalia P. Ivleva, Technical University of Munich, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry, Institute of Hydrochemistry, Marchionistrasse 17, 81377 Munich, e-mail: natalia.ivleva@ch.tum.de

Project partner
Postnova Analytics GmbH, BS-Partikel GmbH, TUMSWW, TUM-LTI, LfU, IUTA

Short description
Innovative and proven analytical detection methods (including sampling, preparation, identification and quantification) for microplastics (1 μm – 5 mm) were determined and tested with reference materials in the submicron range. The most successful techniques of the MiWa project running since 2016 serve as a starting point for this; standard methods from this project were integrated and compared. Direct contact to actors of the MiWa project was guaranteed by partners of the consortium (TUM-IWC and UBA).

WP 3 Studies on aging, adsorption and desorption of organic trace substances on reference particles

Contact persons
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg E. Drewes, Technische Universität München, Lehrstuhl für Siedlungswasserwirtschaft, Am Coulombwall 3, 85748 Garching, e-mail: j.drewes@tum.de

Project partner
LfU

Short description
The particles used in the method validation are subjected to systematic aging processes and biofilm growth. Furthermore, these particles and especially their (resulting) different surfaces were examined regarding their adsorption or desorption characteristics of organic molecules. For this analysis, adsorption and desorption kinetics, among other things, were investigated. This was done by applying TD-(Pyrolysis)-GC-MS and LC-MS/MS. Experiments with the aged particles were carried out in so-called batch approaches, but also in laboratory wastewater treatment plants operated at the LfU. All samples were also stored in the biological systems of WP 5 if required.

WP 4 Investigations on entry points and process-related evaluation

Contact person
Dr. Korbinian Freier, Bavarian State Office for the Environment, Demollstraße 31, 82407 Wielenbach, e-mail:korbinian.freier@lfu.bayern.de

Project partner
TUM-SWW, IUTA

Short description
Using the methods developed and validated in WP 2, real scenarios were first simulated with reference particles in laboratory wastewater treatment plants at the partner LfU to analyse the fate of the particles within the system. Parallel to this, investigations were carried out at various measuring points in real wastewater treatment plants. Water samples were certified by IUTA for micropollutants. The aim was to extend the existing sampling technologies to micropollutants. Finally, together with the other partners of the project and based on the expected results, a process-related evaluation was carried out.

WP 5 Impact on aquatic environment and human health

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Michael Pfaffl, Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, 85354 Freising, e-mail: michael.pfaffl@wzw.tum.de

Project partner
TAM-LAS, IGOE

Short description
Potential negative effects of submicroparticles on different biological organisational levels were investigated and compared to obtain a comprehensive ecotoxicological evaluation. This includes the use of model systems in vivo to determine effects on microbial diversity, communities and trophic structures and functions as well as to identify stress reactions on a higher organismic level. In vitro models extended this approach for the determination of effects on the cellular and molecular level. Based on this a mechanistic understanding of particle-induced stress reactions was created and potential effects on human health were derived.

WP 6 Social, political and legal dimensions

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Ruth Müller, Technical University of Munich, Assistant Professorship of Science and Technology Policy, Augustenstraße 46, 80333 Munich, e-mail: ruth.mueller@tum.de

Project partner
UBA

Short description
At TUM-MCTS current problem perceptions and coping strategies in society and politics with regard to plastic particles in the environment were analysed by means of qualitative social scientific methods. The focus lay on the perception of the specific ecotoxicological relevance of submicroparticles. UBA carried out a screening of the relevant legal acts at national, European and intercontinental levels. The consideration goes beyond the pure media reference (water, soil and air) and the associated possible transport paths. In particular, the legally undefined range between nano- (limit: 100 nm) and microplastics (frequently stated limit: 1 μm) is of primary interest.

Coordinator

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg E. Drewes
Technical University of Munich,
Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering / TUM-SWW
Am Coulombwall 3
85748 Garching
Phone: +49 89 2891 3701 bzw. -3718
e-mail: jdrewes@tum.de

Website

https://www.wasser.tum.de/en/ submuetrack/startseite/

Partner Institutions

Technical University of Munich

Institute of Hydrochemistry, Chair of Analytical Chemistry and Water Chemistry / TUM-IWC

Chair of Animal Physiology and Immunology/ TUM-LTI

Chair of Aquatic Systems Biology / TUM-LAS

Assistant Professorship of Science and Technology Policy / TUM-MCTS

Helmholtz Centre Munich, Institute of Groundwater Ecology / IGOE

Bavarian State Office for the Environment / LfU

Federal Environmental Agency / UBA

Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology e. V. / IUTA

Postnova Analytics GmbH

BS-Partikel GmbH

Duration Period

September 2017

June 2021

Tags

Sewage

Adsorption

Methodology of analyses

Infraref spectroscopy

Sewage treatment plant

in vitro test systems

Raman microspectroscopy

Nano plastics

Scanning electron microscopy

Field flow fractionation

Project sheet

09_Projektblatt_SubµTrack_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

Umwelt – Geräte – Technik GmbH / UGT

Associated Partners

PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V. / PlasticsEurope

Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V. / SVEI

GKD - Gebr. Kufferath AG

Westfalia Separator Group GmbH / GEA

Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin / HTW Berlin

Duration Period

March 2018

March 2021

Project sheet

08_Projektblatt_RUSEKU_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

RAU

KALEH — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 13:35:24 +0000

RAU KALEH Tue, 12/05/2017 - 14:35

Tyre Wear in the Environment

Plastics in the environment are an increasingly serious challenge. As macroplastics deteriorate, such as through tire abrasion, the resulting microplastics can enter the aquatic environment through a variety of entry points. As vehicle traffic increases, there is an inevitable increase in microplastics from worn tires ending up in the environment. The amount of tire abrasion and the resulting microplastics entering the aquatic environment via road runoff had not yet been sufficiently researched.

The joint research project RAU addressed this and comprehensively described tire particles throughout the useful service life of tires, closing the knowledge gaps on where particle loss occurs over the entire life cycle. The goal was to identify and assess the entry points of tire materials into the aquatic environment and to develop reduction measures. RAU then verified selected measures for reducing the emission of tire material into the aquatic environment. On the basis of various influencing factors, an evaluation matrix was developed for deriving the most suitable measures to reduce tire abrasion in different locations.

Key areas of work

Development of a sampling basket for fractional sampling of individual rain events
Analytical evaluation of environmental samples for tire abrasion
Measurement of abrasion, quantification of subsets and subsequent qualitative examination
Further development of the pollution load simulation
Optimise the street cleaning

Coordinator

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Matthias Barjenbruch
and Daniel Venghaus

Technical University of Berlin,
Institute for Civil Engineering,
Faculty VI Planning Building Environment,
Institute of Civil Engineering,
Chair of Urban Water Management /
TUB FG Siwawi
Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25
13355 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 314 72247
e-mail: matthias.barjenbruch@tu-berlin.de

Website

https://www.siwawi.tu-berlin.de/menue/forschung/rau/parameter/en/

Partner Institutions

Technical University of Berlin, FG System Dynamics and Friction Physics / TUB FG Reibung

Continental Reifen Deutschland GmbH / Continental

GKD – Gebr. Kufferath AG / GKD

Ingenieurgesellschaft Prof. Dr. Sieker mbH / IPS

WESSLING GmbH / WESSLING

Associated Partners

ADAC e.V. / ADAC

Berliner Stadtreinigung / BSR

Berliner Wasserbetriebe / BWB