MPForest

Retention of microplastic and microplastic-associated carbon in forest ecosystems of varying stand densities and altitudes

The objective of MPForest is to conduct a fundamental investigation into the frequency and distribution of microplastics in forest ecosystems. The focus is on analyzing potential sources, the transport of microplastics via atmospheric deposition, and retention within the canopy. Furthermore, vertical transport within the stand into the organic layer as well as into the topsoil and subsoil is being investigated. Since plastics are predominantly made from mineral oil, their release represents a relevant input of organic carbon into ecosystems, the transport of which via the atmosphere and vegetation is being investigated for the first time. Over a period of two years, event-based samples will be taken from Fagus Sylvatica areas at three different altitudes in the Abruzzo Apennines (Italy) and from comparable areas in Germany. The holistic approach includes active and passive atmospheric deposition, bulk deposition, stemflow, vegetation, litter, and soil samples from the topsoil and subsoil. Methodologically, the project combines established and newly developed methods of sampling, sample preparation, and particle analysis. For the active measurement of atmospheric deposition, a method developed within the project is used, which simultaneously enables high spatial resolution in the horizontal and vertical directions. In addition, in collaboration with several national and international partners with proven expertise, algorithms are being developed and modeling approaches tested for the overall assessment of the retention and transport mechanisms of microplastics in forest ecosystems. The project's research areas are located in the L'Aquila region of Italy and were made available by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR). The MPForest project is partly funded by the scholarship program of the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU).

Project Head: Malin Klein & Dr. Elke Fischer

Duration: 2023 - 2026

External Funding: Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU)