Protocols and manuals for standardized microplastic and liquid polymer analytics

Standardized sample collection and analysis is critical to provide comparable data on microplastic levels and contribute to the development of effective regulations.

We have developed harmonized protocols for all stages of microplastic detection at wastewater treatment plants, as well as for surface water bodies, including sample collection (using our particle sampling unit), preparation, and analysis. Moving towards microplastic free waters means we have to work together, to collect as much comparable and reliable data as possible with results open-access and transparent.

Therefore, our methods are simple, inexpensive, and an open-innovation. New EU regulations outlined in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive will require microplastic monitoring at WWTPs in the future; with standardized protocols available, we can already begin to obtain this data in a harmonized way across different regions. These methods are currently being utilized in our EU projects REMEDIES and UPSTREAM, enabling further data collection and comparison among WWTPs throughout the EU. Initial results on our long-term studies on microplastic levels at the WWTP in Landau already published open access.

To continue our research and ongoing contributions to microplastic free waters, we rely on the help of donors and sponsors. You, too, can be a part of the solution and movement.