Project: Multilevel assessment of microplastics and associated pollutants in the Baltic Sea

Acronym	MICROPOLL (Reference Number: call2015-122)
Duration	01/07/2017 - 30/06/2020
Project Topic	The focus of the planned project will be on the multilevel impacts of microplastics (MP) themselves, of associated pollutants and of attached biofilms on the ecosystem Baltic Sea. The hazard potential and impacts of these substances will be determined by i) detecting the recent status regarding MP in the Baltic Sea (abundance, composition, sources, sinks), ii) exploring the vector function of MP for associated pollutants and biofilms, and iii) in situ and laboratory experiments, exposing marine organisms from different trophic levels (pro- as well as eukaryotic) to defined levels and size classes of MP and POPs. The gained knowledge will enable us to create spatio-temporal scenarios and simulations for MP transfer and circulation, which will help to understand the mitigation processes of MP and associated pollutants/biofilms in the Baltic Sea. We will be able to assess the risk originating from MP and to develop indicators and suggest monitoring strategies regarding MP and associated pollutants, this way contributing to the implementation of the MSFD. One potential application to reach good ecological status will be evaluated within the project, namely a wastewater treatment technology, which retains efficiently microplastics and xenobiotics.
Network	BONUS
Call	Bonus Call 2015: Blue Baltic

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
1	Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde	Coordinator	Germany
2	Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.	Partner	Germany
3	Stockholm University	Partner	Sweden
4	Klaipeda University	Partner	Lithuania
5	IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute	Partner	Sweden
6	Tallinn University of Technology	Partner	Estonia
7	National Marine Fisheries Research Institute	Partner	Poland