Plastic in the Environment
Plastics are versatile and essential materials. From agriculture and medicine to transport and packaging, it would be almost impossible to imagine modern life without plastics. However, through their use and improper handling, they enter the environment in a variety of ways such as through abrasion or littering and can be found almost everywhere. A growing number of studies show that this ubiquitous presence is associated with negative consequences for the environment and human health. Because plastics are so ubiquitous, they raise urgent scientific questions: how do plastics behave in the environment, how can they be reliably detected, and how can we tackle the problem? Depending on the size of the plastic particles, a distinction is made between macroplastics, microplastics and nanoplastics, each with different risk potentials and analytical challenges. In our research group, we focus on the detection, occurrence and behaviour of plastic in the environment, particularly in river systems and floodplains, as well as on the production of microplastic reference material and the further development of thermal analysis methods. In addition, our electron beam group is working on one of the biggest challenges in plastic recycling: the insufficient separation of PE and PP.
A central question in our research is: How can we prevent increasing amounts of plastic waste from entering the oceans and soil and accumulating there, and how can plastic that has already entered the environment be removed? We place particular emphasis on nature-based solutions. In collaboration with the Water Sciences and the Biodiversity and Vegetation Engineering research groups, we are investigating the natural retention capacity of river floodplains and exploring how this can be enhanced where it is limited. For example, through the restoration of altered riverbanks or targeted vegetation management.
Macroplastic
We are investigating the distribution of macroplastics in river floodplains, in particular the role of vegetation in trapping plastic waste. Unlike conventional sampling methods, which are usually carried out longitudinally along the direction of flow, we use a transect design perpendicular to the direction of flow to record the input and retention of plastic waste in the floodplain. In 2025 we organised a summer school in Vjosa River National Park in collaboration with the University of Tirana (Albania) to assess macroplastic pollution along Europe’s last wild river. We have also investigated polymer-specific abrasion processes of macroplastics that can lead to the formation of microplastics.
Microplastic
We have developed a novel thermoanalytical method for the mass-based determination of microplastics (1–1000 µm) based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and demonstrated that it can be combined with electrostatic and oil-based enrichment techniques to enable rapid and cost-effective detection of microplastics. In addition, we use Thermal Extraction Desorption GC/MS (TED-GC/MS) for mass-based quantification and FTIR microscopy for number-based determination of microplastic particles. As part of our Elbe expedition with the German Ocean Foundation, over 40 sediment samples were collected and analysed for their microplastic content. We are continuously refining these methods, particularly with regard to the effects of ageing processes, polymer types and increasingly smaller particle sizes. We also produce reference materials for method validation: using a patented process, we are already able to produce particles of a defined number and uniform size from various polymers.
Nanoplastic
Due to their extremely small size (<1 µm) and low concentrations, research on nanoplastics presents a particular challenge. We are developing nanoplastic reference materials by precipitating dissolved polymers. We are also further developing TED-GC/MS for use in the field of nanoplastics, with a focus on samples from soil, plants and drinking water.
As part of the collaborative laboratory ‘Environmental Behaviour of Polymers in Water-Soil-Vegetation Compartments’, we are working on these topics together with partners from various disciplines and are always delighted to welcome new, committed partners.
Current Projects
Would you like to find out more about our projects or discuss the possibility of collaborating with us? Please feel free to get in contact with us.
Group Leaders
