Expertise

Plastic in the environment – a research topic at the Thünen Institute

Daniela Thomas, Ulrike Kammann | 20.04.2023

AT Institute of Agriculturay Technology

LV Institute of Rural Studies FI Institute of Fisheries Ecology

At the Thünen Institute, research is being conducted at several specialised institutes on the topic of "Plastics in the Environment". This involves the analysis of microplastics in soils, transport processes from soils via rivers into the sea and possible toxic effects of microplastics.

Ein Symbolbild, die Erde liegt in einer schwarzen Plastiktüte

As part of two BMBF-funded collaborative projects, a research team at the Thünen Institute for Rural Studies was investigating the question of the spatial distribution of microplastics in two river basins (Weser and Warnow) as examples. The amounts of microplastics introduced into soils by agricultural practices were modeled in a spatially differentiated manner using the Regionalized Agricultural and Environmental Information System (RAUMIS). The results were incorporated into hydrological modeling to better estimate inputs from agriculture into the North Sea and Baltic Sea in the future.

In the „PiA“ project, scientists at the Thünen Institute for Agricultural Technology are investigating agricultural soils concerning their contamination with (micro)plastics. A new analytical laboratory has been set up for this purpose. Currently, methods for the analysis of soil samples for (micro)plastics are being developed. Different sampling and sample treatment methods are currently tested to determine particle type, amount, and shape. In addition, potential sources such as various organic fertilizers, e.g. compost, sewage sludge, etc., are examined for their plastic load.

The scientific work at the Thünen Institute consists of cooperation between various Thünen specialist institutes and the (inter)national research community. The overall objective is to record microplastic pollution beyond the boundaries of individual ecosystems. In addition, the possible toxic effect of microplastics on ecosystem-typical examples of organisms such as earthworms and fish will be investigated.

Projects

Plastic in agricultural soil

Despite intensive research activities, knowledge about the distribution of (micro)plastics in the environment is still very limited. At present, central challenges are the development and standardisation of analytical methods, especially for agricultural soils.

PlasM - microplastic and fish in the sea

The huge amount of man-made solid waste materials ending up in the oceans was identified as one of the pressing global challenges. We investigate the amount of microplastics in marine fish and if this is a threat for the animal.

Microplastic in the environment – Analyses of the Warnow catchment

Microplastic pollution in the oceans is increasing worldwide. High concentrations found at the mouth of rivers suggest a substantial contribution of contamination from inland. To what extent is agriculture responsible for these inputs?

Microplastic in the environment – Analyses of the Weser catchment

To date, small plastic particles are being found world-wide in oceans, rivers and lakes. However, knowledge is still scarce about their origins and impact on the environment and organisms, including human beings.

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