The PlaMoWa networks works on a multitude of projects in different states:
A PlaMoWa consortium is developing a new filter unit (filter cascade), which allows the efficient presorting of microplastic particles during sample drawing in all waters. The integration of a primary screen for the concentration of the filtrate as well as of a cleaning and anti-fouling system to prevent a decline of the filtering performance due to biofilms on the filter fabric are substantial innovations of the project. Intelligent backwashing mechanisms enables the filter cascade to run over longer periods.
Participating PlaMoWa partners
-4H-JENA engineering GmbH, Nägele Mechanik GmbH, University of Bayreuth, Fraunhofer ICT
Status: ZIM-funding granted
Project scheduling: July 2016 to June 2018
An innovative, automated procedure analyses microplastic particles in the lower micrometre range based on the Raman spectroscopy within water sediment and water samples. A complex preparation of the samples is to be developed and for the first time combined with an ablation flash, in order to remove perturbing biofilms before the measure. According to experience, a large range of plastic can be analysed with this method.
Participating PlaMoWa partners
rap.ID Particle Systems GmbH, University of Bayreuth, GNF e.V.
Status: ZIM-funding granted
Project scheduling: February 2017 to November 2019
The biggest challenge fo the analysis of plastic in waters is the complex and laborious concentration of the samples from large quantities of water respectively sediment before the following separation of water, sediment and microplastic. Based on an idea developed by scientists, the manipulation of the sink or float methodology with additional pressure and sieves shall lead to an innovative sediment separator enabling a fast sample preparation.
Participating PlaMoWa partners
Alfred Wegener Institute, Werkzeugbau und Feinwerktechnik Meiningen GmbH
Status: ZIM-funding granted
Project scheduling: November 2017 to October 2019
Based on the experience of european research teams, an integrated camera system is to be developed for an automated identification and quantification of macroplastic at the surface of rivers and the sea. The combination of one or several cameras of high-resolution and equipped with special filters with an intelligent steering computer and the necessary software for the analysis of the image data is to facilitate an autonomous long-term operation.
Intended PlaMoWa partners
SVS-VISTEK GmbH , 4H-Jena engineering GmbH, University of Bayreuth, Geo-Forschungs-Zentrum
Status: Idea
Planned project start: 2020
With a sediment centrifugation, a quicker density separation of microplastic particles from the surrounding matrix shall be achieved. Furthermore, the project aims to use the centrifuge also for the automated sample suspension to remove the biofilm on the microplastic particles. The developments shall realize an overall product “MPP Analyser”.
Intended PlaMoWa partners
N.N.
Status: Draft
Planned project start: 2020
For the first time, a satellite based, integrated monitoring concept shall be developed to record floating macro und microplastic particles from their place of entry to their point of accumulation. In doing so, real “in situ” data on the plastic pollution of rivers, estuaries, coastal areas and vortexes measured from ships and other measuring platforms are correlated with different sets of satellite data, allowing an upscaling of the plastic pollution on big areas.
Intended PlaMoWa partners
Remote Sensing Solutions GmbH, HYDROMOD Service GmbH, University of Bayreuth, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Institut für Hygiene und Umwelt Hamburg
Status: Draft
Planned project start: 2020
A national contact point shall collect and analyse the existing multitude of data on waters under consistent criteria to quickly obtain a differentiated view on the origin and composition of the plastic contamination. The data shall furthermore be evaluated with respect to the overall costs, benefits and damages. This evaluation will be the base for the development of measures to sustainably and effectively reduce the amount of pollution. This project is the integration of all the know-how acquired in the network.
Intended PlaMoWa partners
all PlaMoWa partners
Status: Draft
Planned project start: 2021
Real-time detection of macro plastics from image recordings of the surface of rivers, lakes and the sea The goal of the project is to develop an integrated camera system that allows an automated identification and quantification of macroplastic floating at the surface of water bodies. The weather-resistant device shall be mountable all types of vessels to achieve a broad-scaled litter monitoring.
Participating PlaMoWa partners
J&C Bachmann GmbH
Status: ZIM-funding granted
Project scheduling: July 2019 to December 2021
A measuring method already applied to dry samples for detecting microplastic in the high-frequency infrared range shall be transferred in a measuring cell for the examination of liquids. An automated spectrometric measure at the sample place combined with a fast automated data processing shall provide a quick result of the microplastic pollution.
Intended PlaMoWa partners
Nägele Mechanik GmbH, Geo-Forschungs-Zentrum, J&C Bachmann GmbH, rap.ID Particle Systems GmbH, DECKMA Hamburg GmbH, 4H- JENA engineering GmbH, Cubert GmbH, Fraunhofer ICT, Uni Bayreuth
Status: Idea
Planned project start: 2020
Microplastic particles can cross the cell membrane and influence cells and the entire organism. Hence, it seems feasible to use microorganisms, in particular sensitive ones, as bioindicators for plastic waste. To date unpublished tests of a German university suggest that the effects of microplastic on small crustaceans are tremendous. Hence, the networks aims to develop bioassays for at least some particularly health-relevant types of plastic with further partners.
Intended PlaMoWa partners
Institut Dr. Nowak GmbH & Co. KG, Alfred Wegener Institute, Jacobs University Bremen
Status: Idea
Planned project start: 2020