Projektdetails
Abstract
Plastic pollution has emerged as a global environmental crisis, posing significant threats to ecosystems and human health. Of particular concern are microplastics (MPs), tiny plastic particles measuring between 1 μm and 5 mm, which present a heightened risk due to their widespread distribution and potential toxicity. These minuscule pollutants have infiltrated ecosystems worldwide, even reaching remote regions through atmospheric transport.
The FLOAT project aims to address this pressing issue by developing a comprehensive model to simulate microplastic emissions, dispersal, and deposition in the atmosphere. This model will assess the contamination of both terrestrial and aquatic surfaces by airborne MPs, focusing on Central Europe. The project's primary objectives include generating simulations of MP emissions from densely populated areas and their subsequent atmospheric transport and deposition in remote regions across Central Europe. Additionally, FLOAT seeks to quantify the contribution of atmospheric deposition to MP concentrations in land and lake surface water through direct measurements.
To achieve these goals, the project will utilize the FLEXPART model for simulations and employ stationary passive sampling devices and lake water surface sampling for direct data collection on airborne MP deposition. The collected microplastic samples will undergo thorough characterization, analyzing factors such as polymer type, shape, size, mass, color, and abundance. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into the nature and extent of microplastic pollution in the region.
By the project's conclusion, FLOAT aims to deliver a refined model for predicting the dispersal of airborne MPs on a large scale. This model will be instrumental in quantifying the deposition of airborne MPs on lakes throughout Central Europe, offering a powerful tool for environmental scientists and policymakers to assess and address the impact of microplastic pollution. The project's findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of microplastic distribution and its potential environmental consequences, paving the way for more effective mitigation strategies and pollution control measures.
The FLOAT project aims to address this pressing issue by developing a comprehensive model to simulate microplastic emissions, dispersal, and deposition in the atmosphere. This model will assess the contamination of both terrestrial and aquatic surfaces by airborne MPs, focusing on Central Europe. The project's primary objectives include generating simulations of MP emissions from densely populated areas and their subsequent atmospheric transport and deposition in remote regions across Central Europe. Additionally, FLOAT seeks to quantify the contribution of atmospheric deposition to MP concentrations in land and lake surface water through direct measurements.
To achieve these goals, the project will utilize the FLEXPART model for simulations and employ stationary passive sampling devices and lake water surface sampling for direct data collection on airborne MP deposition. The collected microplastic samples will undergo thorough characterization, analyzing factors such as polymer type, shape, size, mass, color, and abundance. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into the nature and extent of microplastic pollution in the region.
By the project's conclusion, FLOAT aims to deliver a refined model for predicting the dispersal of airborne MPs on a large scale. This model will be instrumental in quantifying the deposition of airborne MPs on lakes throughout Central Europe, offering a powerful tool for environmental scientists and policymakers to assess and address the impact of microplastic pollution. The project's findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of microplastic distribution and its potential environmental consequences, paving the way for more effective mitigation strategies and pollution control measures.
| Akronym | FLOAT |
|---|---|
| Status | Laufend |
| Tatsächlicher Beginn/ -es Ende | 1/12/24 → 30/11/26 |