Mikroplastik im alpinen Wasserkreislauf - Beispiel Österreich
Abstract
Plastic waste as a persistent contaminant of our environment is a matter of increasing concern due to the longevity of plastic in the environment and largely unknown long-term effects on biota. Although freshwater systems are known to be the transport paths of plastic debris to the ocean, most research has been focused on marine environments. A methodology for measuring microplastic transport at various depths was developed by the project team. However, plastic contamination in the Austrian mountains is not yet been addressed at all. Likewise, there is no information about possible biodegradation by microbes. Yet, river corridors represent one of the most used and modified landscape elements in the Alps. Based on the required process understanding and knowledge gaps, AlPlast aims - for the first time - to quantify plastic occurrence in the Austrian Alps. In a multi-step approach, hot-spots will be identified to measure microplastic in relevant Alpine areas. For addressing also the smallest particle sizes, a strategy combining net sampling and isokinetic pump sampling is suggested to fully investigate microplastic occurrence and transport in the Austrian Alps. Glaciers will be addressed as being the remotest areas of the Austria Alps. If microplastic finds its way to these areas, possible transport paths will be evaluated. Also, temporal changes of microplastic load in the snow cover will be tackled by taking snow samples in snow pits with 10 cm depth resolution. A transdisciplinary approach is envisaged from the beginning of the project. In terms of dissemination and the sustainability of the project's impacts, the integration of local society and stakeholders should bring decisive advantages. Therefore, modern methods of metagenome analysis will be used for the discovery of even un-culturable microbes and their enzymes. In parallel, microorganisms potentially present will be cultivated and degradation of (labelled) model polymers and real microplastic samples assessed.
Hydrology Water management Microbiome research Measurement technology Technical environmental protection
Publikationen
Project staff
Doris Ribitsch
Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Doris Ribitsch
doris.ribitsch@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-97485
Project Leader
01.12.2022 - 30.11.2025
Lukas Chalwatzis
Lukas Chalwatzis MSc.
lukas.chalwatzis@boku.ac.at
Project Staff
01.12.2022 - 30.11.2025
Georg Gübitz
Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn. Georg Gübitz
guebitz@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-97001, 97402
Project Staff
01.12.2022 - 30.11.2025