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Dear reader,
The view taken by science and research on the topic of marine litter has become broader in recent years. It is not only the litter that lands in the sea or on the beach that is of interest, but also what type of litter and along which pathways it is discharged into the soil and waterways, where it ends up, and what quantity finally gets into the sea. This wider view is now also embraced by the BKV model "From Land to Sea", which has been extended precisely in this way with the report "Plastics in the Environment". You can learn more about this report in this newsletter.
The subject of microplastics remains at the focus of research, for example how the particles can be measured, where they come from and what effects they have on flora and fauna, as well as their possible effects on man. Under the heading "Research and Science" you will find our report on a new study that was able to show for the first time in a long-term laboratory trial that microplastics have virtually no negative effect on mussels. The study shows that it was well worthwhile getting to the bottom of this issue so as to obtain a clearer picture of the alleged threat reported in some media and to be able to counter any prejudices with facts.
You will also find some more information in our marine litter newsletter on the question of the measuring methods. In this connection, it is very well worth reading what Dr. Claus Gerhard Bannick from the UBA has to say in the interview about the current status of efforts to standardize microplastic analysis.
We wish you an interesting and rewarding read, and hope the information will be helpful to you. Apart from that, we wish you a great summer. Stay well.
Kind regards,
BKV GmbH
FCIO Austrian Chemical Industry Association
PlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V.
VDMA Plastics and Rubber Machinery
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