EUROpean quality Controlled Harmonization Assuring Reproducible Monitoring and assessment ofplastic pollution

Main research question/goal

A lack of harmonized methods for gathering and reporting data about microplastic pollution presents a major obstacle to the implementation of monitoring and mitigation actions. This is further hampered by a lack of clear guidelines on the purpose of these monitoring efforts. EUROqCHARM unites 15 key actors involved in studying and monitoring plastic pollution in Europe, under coordination of the Norwegian Institute for Water Research.

Research approach

EUROqCHARM will critically review state-of the-art analytical methods and take harmonization one step further. Validation will take place through interlaboratory comparison. The end product will be certified reference materials. Knowledge transfer will be facilitated by means of workshops and capacity building for countries yet to initiate monitoring. ILVO, as the Belgian partner, will contribute with expertise on plastic pollution assessment in marine sediments and living organisms. ILVO, NIVA and SALT will also establish a communication network for scientists and stakeholders. 

Relevance/Valorisation

The EUROqCHARM initiative brings together all relevant research areas (natural sciences: marine, surface, groundwater, drinking and waste water, soil, air; analytical chemistry etc.), industry (instrument manufacturers, plastic producers and commercial laboratories), regulators (United Nations, EU and national level, standardization bodies), professional associations and societies, policy makers (UN, EU and national level) and national and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This puts Europe in a unique position to coordinate the validation of the available methods and the development of harmonized protocols for assessing plastic contamination. These methods and protocols will enable data comparison, which will form the basis for European and international guidelines and regulations. This will support policy makers, industry and the scientific community in their endeavor to reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution.

External partner(s)
Aarhus University
AFNOR-ASSOCIATION FRANCAISE DE NORMALISATION
AWI-ALFRED-WEGENER-INSTITUT HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR POLAR- UND MEERESFORSCHUNG
Chiron AS
CNR-CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
CSIC - AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
EAWAG - EIDGENOESSISCHE ANSTALT FUER WASSERVERSORGUNG ABWASSERREINIGUNG UND GEW
Ifremer - Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer
INCDM-NIMRD - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINA GRIGORE ANTIPA
NILU-Norwegian institute for Air research
NIVA-Norwegian Institute for Water Research
OGS-ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI OCEANOGRAFIA E DI GEOFISICA SPERIMENTALE
SALT Lofoten AS
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam