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(Micro)plastic pollution problem in the aquatic environment Bernard De Potter
(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?
