GWP Romania announces first spatiotemporal study on microplastics in the Danube

The Romanian Global Water Partnership announces the completion of the first spatio-temporal study on plastic transport in the Danube. The results illustrate the significant pollution caused by microplastics. GWP hopes to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable European regulatory efforts.

Targu Bujor, Romania – (Newsfile Corp. – October 13, 2024) – The Romanian Global Water Partnership Association (GWP RO) and the NGO associations “Mai Mult Verde”, in collaboration with national and international partners, announce the completion of the first project detailed spatiotemporal study on the transport of microplastics (MiPs) and macroplastics (MaPs) in the Romanian sector of the Danube.

GWP Romania announces first spatiotemporal study on microplastics in the Danube

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The study is available at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12302-024-00969-8?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20240901&utm_content=10.1186%2Fs12302-024-00969-8

The study, recently published in the international journal Environmental Sciences Europe, marks an important step in understanding plastic pollution in Europe’s second longest river.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Plastic pollution in rivers and seas is one of the greatest ecological challenges of the 21st century. Despite global research efforts, the lack of standardized regulations has made it difficult to compare data between studies. In this context, researchers from the University “Dunarea de Jos”, REXDAN Research Infrastructure, have carried out an innovative study focusing on the transport of microplastics in the Romanian sector of the Danube, from the point of entry into the country (Moldova Veche) to the formation of the Danube Delta (Isaccea).

METHODOLOGY AND STUDY LOCATIONS

The study was conducted over five seasons, from spring 2022 to spring 2023, using an active multipoint sampling method proposed for standardization at the European level.

A total of 135 sediment samples were collected from three different depths, from the water surface to near the riverbed, at three key sections: Moldova Veche, Gruia and Isaccea.

RESULTS

The study estimated the annual transport of 46-51 tons of microplastics and 93-100 tons of total plastics (including meso- and macroplastics) in Moldova Veche under normal hydrological conditions.

Gruia and Isaccea recorded significantly lower values, around four to five times lower, suggesting that the amount of plastic transported is decreasing as the river moves towards the Danube Delta.

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Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were identified as the main components of microplastics, accounting for between 58% and 69% of the total particles analyzed. The study also found that microplastics were mostly polygonal fragments, films and spheres of different colors, while meso- and macroplastics consisted of semi-transparent and/or porous film fragments, fibers and fiber conglomerates.

IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENT

This study provides the first complete data set on the transport of microplastics in the Romanian part of the Danube and provides important information for a comprehensive assessment of the transport and accumulation of microplastics in the Danube watershed, the largest in Europe. The research also contributes to European efforts to regulate and standardize sediment sampling methods in major rivers.

Advanced near-infrared imaging (NIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) techniques were used to study the microstructural degradation of plastic particles at micro- and nanometric scales. These analyzes revealed the presence of various (chemo)sorbed components, including minerals and heavy metals, suggesting a significant impact on the aquatic ecosystem.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Researchers emphasize the need for continued investigations, including during flood periods, and expanding sampling sites for further validation. These studies are essential to fully understand the dynamics of microplastic and macroplastic pollution and to develop effective solutions to reduce this type of pollution.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH GROUP

The study presented in this paper was carried out within the framework of the project “Dunărea la Raport/Reporting on the Danube”, organized by the Romanian Global Water Partnership Association (GWP-ROMANIA) and the NGO associations “Mai Mult Verde” within the framework of “ Cu Apele Curate/Clean Waters program supported by Lidl Romania.

All these parties receive great recognition.

The team thanks Prof. Dr. Chem. Viorica D. Mușat for her significant contribution, particularly in the areas of conceptualization, writing, review and editing, visualization and supervision. Your careful work in reading and analyzing numerous articles has significantly shaped the scientific basis of this research.

Dr. Martin Hinterleitner is thanked for his participation in the measurement team during the S3 sampling season (autumn 2022).

Director Dr.-Ing. Angela Stela Ivan (Galati Lower Danube Administration) and Dr. Closely. Ioan Mateescu (ROMEXIM SRL București) is thanked for his important contributions to the logistical support in the sampling of suspended alluvium and the selection of sampling sites in the Romanian part of the Danube.

ABOUT GLOBAL WATER PARTNERSHIP ROMANIA

As part of the Global Water Partnership network, GWP Romania promotes the sustainable management of Romania’s water resources at all levels. By fostering partnerships with both private and public actors and stakeholders, GWP Romania is committed to developing and promoting environmentally sustainable policies based on cutting-edge research, with the aim of protecting water resources for the benefit of current and future generations.

For more information, visit https://gwpromania.ro

Contact information:
Name: Ionut Procop
Email: [email protected]
Organization: GWP Romania – Global Water Partnership România
Address: Strada Roşiori nr. 4, Târgu Bujor, Județul Galați 805200, Romania
Website: https://gwpromania.ro/

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