Analysis of the Occurrence of Macro- and Microplastics—Baltic Sea

Several projects of the research group MRC are investigating the macro- and microplastic pollution of ecosystems in the southern Baltic Sea. For this purpose, macroplastic counts were again taken at various sections of beach at the Baltic Sea, and microplastic in beach sediments was analyzed with a regional focus on the island of Rügen. Microplastic concentrations in the surface flow and water column were also analyzed with a regional focus on the Danish South Sea.

In addition to the spatial and temporal recordings of concentrations found, sampling and analysis methods in particular were further developed and established within the framework of several small projects (see also “Development of Sampling and Analysis Methods for Microplastics”).

Project manager: Dr. Elke Fischer

Duration: 2015–19

Related final theses

Laura Polt (ongoing): Microplastics in bottom sediments of the German North Sea and Baltic Sea – An implementation of the HELCOM guidelines

Jann Folkers (MSc, 2019): Microplastics in beach sediments from the Isle of Rügen, Baltic Sea, Germany - Correlations between the small scaled microplastic pollution and pedologic factors.

Elena Hengstmann (MSc, 2017): Macro- and Microplastic Pollution on the Isle of Ruegen, Baltic Sea Germany - Assessment of Influences Concerning Abundance and Distribution. PARTNERSTÄDTEPREIS der Gesellschaft Harmonie 2018.

Matthias Tamminga (MSc, 2017): Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Method Development for the Assessment of Abundance and Distribution in the South Funen Archipelago, Baltic Sea.

Related publications

Hengstmann, E., Tamminga, M., vom Bruch, C., Fischer, E.K., 2018. Microplastic in beach sediments of the Isle of Rügen (Baltic Sea)-Implementing a novel glass elutriation column. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 126, 263-274.doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.11.010.

Tamminga, M., Hengstmann, E., Fischer, E.K., 2018. Microplastic analysis in the South Funen Archipelago, Baltic Sea, implementing manta trawling and bulk sampling. Marine Pollution Bulletin 128, 601-608. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.066.

Hengstmann, E., Gräwe, D., Tamminga, M., Fischer, E.K., 2016. Marine litter abundance and distribution on beaches on the Isle of Rügen considering the influence of exposition, morphology and recreational activities. Marine Pollution Bulletin. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.12.026.