POS2IDON Tool: LabPlas Project’s Evaluation of an Advanced System for Satellite Surveillance of Marine Debris

In the fight against marine plastic pollution, scientists and policymakers are constantly looking for new technologies to detect and monitor the problem— as well as reduce it. An innovative tool named POS2IDON has been unveiled through the EU LabPlas project, which could change our approach towards monitorization of marine plastic debris. POS2IDON is an advanced…

Advancing the Battle Against Ocean Microplastic Pollution: Insights from the UN Ocean Decade Conference Satellite Event

On April 9th, amidst the prestigious backdrop of the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference, a pivotal satellite event titled «Global Awareness, Research Activities and Network to Address Ocean Microplastic Pollution» convened at the PRBB-Barcelona Biomedical Research Park. Spearheaded by NORCE and IAEA, and jointly organized with esteemed partners including AIR Centre (representing the LabPlas Project),…

Size definition of microplastics

Currently, microplastics are predominantly defined as plastic particles below 5 mm in size (Arthur et al., 2009) . This includes most pellets, which are macroscopic and easily distinguished from actual pieces resulting from plastic fragmentation, and with a different chemical composition as they often lack the chemical additives added in the compounding phase of plastic…

Driving Towards Cleaner Oceans: Addressing the Threat of Car Tyre Emissions

What is the main problem? Car tyres, through abrasion on road surfaces, release tiny particles known as tyre wear particles (TWPs), which pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health. These particles accumulate in soils and water bodies, contributing to microplastic pollution in rivers and oceans. Roadside drainage systems play a major role in transporting…

How to compare the environmental impacts of different types of plastics: Life Cycle Assessment

Bio-based and bio-degradable plastics are becoming more popular as a way to address environmental problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and depletion of natural resources. Biodegradability is seen as a key property that plastics should have to reduce environmental impacts, but it is not the ultimate solution to the problem of mismanaged plastic waste.…