Welcome to the website of the international ZIM cooperation network “Plastic Monitoring in European Waters – PlaMoWa Europe”!
The deep sea, coastal and inland waters such as rivers and lakes are all contaminated with plastic parts of various sizes. The extent and the resulting consequences for humans and the environment are not yet foreseeable. Not only the plastic particles themselves, but also their tendency to adsorb and resorb organic pollutants, which ultimately find their way into the food chain, are causing growing concern. Authorities and industry therefore have an increasing responsibility to promote the monitoring of natural and artificial waters.
Since 2015, leading research institutions and companies have joined forces, creating a holistic network to develop methods and services for the rapid assessment of plastic pollution in waters. Based on reliable and affordable equipment and efficient standardised monitoring procedures, authorities can define and supervise statuatory limits.