Micro and nanoplastics (MNPs), as fragments with dimensions less than a millimetre, have become a major global environmental issue in recent decades. Scientific studies have highlighted the presence of these fragments worldwide, even in environments thought to be unspoiled.
Sampling and analysis of micro/nanoplastics from abiotic and biotic environmental matrices has become a common challenge and motivation for developing new technological solutions. During the conference, we will present the current and potential microscopical and analytical methods used in plastics analyses, challenges, and solutions.
In addition, we will discuss challenges and needs in ecotoxicological testing, the environmental fate of plastics, and risk assessment of plastic products.
The PlastTrack event provides a comprehensive overview of:
• How microplastics and nanoplastics move and change in the environment
• Which technologies are used for measurement and monitoring
• How microplastics can be filtered from wastewater
• How data can be shared and used across laboratories and countries
The event combines research, technology, and concrete cases, providing a forum for professional dialogue across sectors.
Agenda
09:30 – Coffee
10:00 – Welcome and introduction
Assoc. Prof. Jacek Fiutowski
10:15 – The Roskilde Center for Interdisciplinary Plastic Research (CIPR)
Monitoring plastics and their fate in the environment
Dr. Claudia Lorenz, Roskilde University
10:45 – Solutions for filtering microplastics
Moritz Gesterding, ACO Beton GmbH
11:15 – Filtering microplastics in wastewater
Daniela Schmitz, Pruefinstitut für Abwassertechnik GmbH, Aachen
11:45 – Lunch
12:30 – PlastTrack: Scope and results
Environmental impacts
Measurement campaigns in the region
– Dr. Stefan Dittmer
Detection tools: mobile and stationary solutions
– Assoc. Prof. Jacek Fiutowski
Data exchange
– Dr. Sebastian Primpke
Transformation processes of (micro)plastics – effects of artificial weathering
– Dr. Lisa Roscher
Case studies
– Prof. Jonathan Brewer
14:45 – Closing discussion
