(Micro)plastic pollution problem in the aquatic environment

Bernard De Potter

Content

Global plastic production: some facts & figures(M)PP in the marine environment: garbage patches……causing major (aquatic) wild-life problemsInland waters as a source of (M)PP……causing major (aquatic) wild-life problems(M)P sources and pathwaysUniversity Ghent (UG): previous researchNew research program UG/VITO/VMM: focus on inland

sources/pathways

Global plastic production

Great Pacific garbage patch

0,1 – 0,4 particles/m²

University Ghent previous research on inland water environment:

2015 – river Scheldt (French border – Antwerp)Sediment: 5000 – 50.000 MP/kg

STP research 2012 – 2015 river ScheldtSTP retains only 50% of MPSTP ‘releases’ 260 mio MP/dayPer person: 5500 MP/day

New research project 2019 - 2021: UG/VITO/VMMQuestions : 1) Is there a (M)P pollution problem in the Flanders inland

surfacewaters?2) If so: how big is the problem? What are the main sources

and pathways? 3) What could/should be done to tackle (M)P pollution?

Focus on (main) inland water sources and pathways:- Household waste water: textiles and cosmetics- Sewage network and STP, spoil to surfacewater- Traffic: tyre run-off

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY !

QUESTIONS?