The EU works on standardization of microplastic detection methods, but regulations and control are still inadequate. One thing is clear: wastewater treatment needs innovations and long-term data. This will create economic opportunities through circular economy.

SPIONs and magnetic nanoparticles are being hailed as the solution to microplastics. But "smart rust" could be more dangerous than the original problem. Why nanotechnology is threatening biodiversity and real alternatives are being ignored.

The much-cited claim that we are ingesting "5 g microplastics per week = 1 credit card" is based on a methodologically questionable WWF study from 2019. Marketing systematically misuses this unvalidated figure for product advertising and donations, even though more recent studies show significantly lower figures. Real solutions need solid science instead of shock figures.

This May, in a unique campaign with schools, an environmental protection organization, the River Queich was sampled for microplastics across its entire surface

Collecting microplastic samples at a municipal wastewater treatment plant and monitoring microplastic levels over the long term poses major challenges for both wastewater treatment plant operators and microplastic analysts. For municipal wastewater treatment plants, the question of how much wastewater needs to be analyzed to make a representative statement about contamination is also coming into focus and is reason enough to take a closer look at this topic.

Textiles made from synthetic fibers can release microplastics both when washed and worn. This knowledge is not new. What drove us in our study was the question of how many microplastics different basic fiber materials release and how recycled fibers perform in comparison. Our current cycling jersey comparison provides exciting and groundbreaking answers.