Multilevel assessment of microplastics and associated pollutants in the Baltic Sea
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Stockholms universitet - Institutionen för Miljövetenskap och Analytisk kemi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 606 536 |
| Project duration | July 2017 - September 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The project focused on microplastic effects including associated pollution and biofilm on Baltic biota. Our findings will help designing strategies for reducing MP and associated pollutants in the Baltic Sea. Overall, the project results will facilitate work to reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment.
Expected long term effects
Field and laboratory studies demonstrated that ecotoxicological effects on Baltic biota are mostly indifferent. No inhibitory effects were found for algae and zooplankton. However, some behavioral alterations related to microplastic exposure were detected in planktonic and benthic fauna. In the field, body burden of hydrophobic organic contaminants was not related to microplastic uptake by herring. Limited analytical capacity for particles <50 µm and co-exposure to environmental contaminants and plastic litter are the biggest challenges in microplastic hazard assessment.>
Approach and implementation
The key focus was on the development and application of experimental protocols and test systems required for the MP hazard assessment. Experimental work has also been conducted as well as analysis of MP body burden in various invertebrates and fish collected in the Baltic Sea. The scientific results and output are published in 10 peer-reviewed papers. They are also used to inform stakeholders and support undergraduate teaching. A PhD thesis is submitted for defense in February 2021.