VUDP-Valid analysis of microplastics
- rainwater discharges from rainwater basins
The project "Valid analyzes of microplastics and rubber in rainwater-related discharges" is a VUDP project supported by DANVA. The project aims to gain insight into how big the plastic problem in Denmark is. The project provides valid analysis methods for measuring microplastics and micro rubber in rainwater. This creates a knowledge base about the problem.
The main purpose of the project is to provide valid analysis methods for measuring the plastic and rubber content in rainwater. In short, this means that the two laboratories must measure the same amount of plastic from the same sample.
Concretely, this is done by examining the number of microplastics and micro rubber in the water and sludge from four rainwater basins. The microplastics and microrubbers found in these would normally end up in nature. It is likely that in the future there will be new legislation, setting limit values for the amount of pollution. A follow-up to this project may therefore be an investigation into how we clean surface and rainwater. The water supplies, incl. Lemvig Vand is involved to be at the forefront of knowledge.
Contaminated rainwater ends up in nature
Both nationally and internationally, there has been a great deal of focus on the release of microplastics and micro rubber into our aquatic environment. A study has shown that in Denmark, 1000 tonnes of microplastics and micro rubber, mainly from car tires, are discharged from rainwater every year. Today, separate sewerage is becoming more and more widespread, and therefore the largest part of the rainwater is diverted directly (so largely untreated) to nature.
Valid numbers are necessary
A third of our rainwater ends up in rainwater basins. These rainwater basins are the most widespread method for handling rainwater in Denmark. Therefore, it is interesting to look at the retention of microplastics and micro rubber in these basins. It is possible that in the future, society will set limit values for microplastics. It is important that this kind of legislation is based on valid knowledge and that measurable limit values are introduced.
Sampling
Four rainwater basins have been selected as trial sites. Here, the amount of microplastic and micro rubber is measured in samples of bottom sludge and water samples from the rainwater basins, respectively. The water samples are taken with so-called UFOs (Universal Filtering Objects).
Facts
Partners:
Knowledge institutes: Teknologisk Institut and Aalborg University.
· Water supplies: Mariagerfjord Vand (main applicant), Lemvig Vand, Hedensted Spildevand and VandCenter Syd.
Plastic recycling company: Aage Vestergaard Larsen.
The project period runs from November 2019 to November 2021.