EFRE1018 - PlasticFree - Objectivs and Results

Objectives
and results

Specifically, the project proposes to achieve the following objectives (see figure below):

To analyse the presence, quantity and type of MPs in the surface running water and in the interstitial and bank sediments of watercourses as well as in lakes, rainwater and groundwater, and in drinking water sampled at specific sites in the Province of Bolzano.
Localising diffuse forms of pollution: 1) MPs are not completely filtered by purification plants. Even though urban sewage is now all conveyed to purification plants, such an analysis would make it possible to make an initial assessment of the situation regarding MPs by trying to compare water bodies of various types and subject to different degrees of anthropic impact, including the presence of discharges into the river from purification plants. 2) MPs transported over long distances through wind action and atmospheric deposition can contribute to the widespread presence of MPs in the environment and consequently in watercourses, even at high altitudes. Precipitation monitoring and analysis can help to provide insights into the potential contribution of airborne microplastics. In support of this thesis, the analysis of MPs in high-altitude watercourses can give a further indication of their presence even in remote and sparsely anthropised sites.
Implement abiotic and biotic sampling techniques in freshwater bodies and test new analytical techniques for the quantification and identification of MPs and NPs.
To experiment innovative techniques for wastewater purification by means of different sludge filtration methods, quantifying their microplastic removal capacity, to identify sustainable solutions for improving purification processes by reducing the passage of MPs and avoiding their re-entry into the environment.
To study bioaccumulation phenomena of MPs in the trophic chain through accumulation processes in riverine aquatic fauna.
Raising the population's awareness of the resource water, its importance, how it works, the forms of life it contains, the effects of waste, sources of pollution even those not visible to the naked eye.
Provide a reference study: the research, sharing and dissemination of knowledge derived from project activities can serve as a reference study, as a pilot project for similar large-scale analyses.
Promote cooperation between the various public bodies, research institutes and companies.

Schematic representation of planned analyses

Identifying and quantifying the distribution of MPs and NPs in key ecosystems such as freshwater bodies (natural and with increasing anthropogenic gradient) and in waters for human use and consumption enables the following scientific and socio-economic results to be achieved:

Increasing knowledge and increasing know-how in anticipation of expected regulatory obligations in the medium term: interest and concern about the spread of microplastics in aquatic environments and water resources is growing; however, analyses of MPs will become an integral part of monitoring systems, but research to date is based on experimental protocols and relates to small temporal and spatial scales or predominantly marine ecosystems.
To provide an original analysis of the provincial territory: there are currently no similar wide-ranging studies (extended to different abiotic and biotic matrices) conducted on these environments. Moreover, the proposers represent the only research group that has carried out and is carrying out this type of study in South Tyrol.
Localising non-manifest forms of pollution: this type of study can identify lesser-known but increasingly important or persistent sources of pollution that can accumulate dangerously in environments with reduced water exchange.
Identify efficient and sustainable measures to improve processes and services in the area related to water resources and wastewater disposal.

Objectives
and results

Contacts

Lead Partner

All Partner

Partner

Link

Objectivesand results

Contacts

Lead Partner

All Partner

Partner

Link

Objectives
and results