Symposium 'Challenges of microplastic analysis – Bridging state of the art and policy needs'

Up to now, many questions around the occurrence and impact of microplastics are unanswered, often due to the lack of reliable data. For the generation of such data, reliable analytical methods are imperative. However, techniques and procedures applied to determine microplastics so far are manifold and each has its strengths and shortcomings.

Aiming at better understanding the characteristics and performance of the various methods currently applied, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) organised an inter-laboratory comparison study on microplastics in water, in collaboration with BAM (German Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung).

The JRC Symposium Challenges of microplastic analysis – Bridging state of the art and policy needs taking place on 9 September 2021, 14:00 – 18:00, will provide an overview about the study, as well as three other inter-laboratory comparisons, organised by BAM (on behalf of PlastikNet), QUASIMEME (part of Wageningen University and Research), and SCCWRP (Southern California Coastal Water Research Project).

The studies’ outcomes will be summarised and put in perspective with policy needs in view of (existing or upcoming) legislation.
A plenary discussion on bridging state of the art of microplastics analysis and policy needs should lead towards identification of practical approaches for microplastic monitoring.

Participants

The symposium will bring together experts in the field, public authorities and legislators interested in the topic.

Programme

The symposium will take place online on 9 September 2021, 14:00-18:00 CEST.

The agenda is available here (pdf).

Registration

Participation is free of charge, but registration is compulsory at this link:

Registration to the EC symposium Challenges of microplastic analysis

The deadline for registration is 4 September 2021.

The registrants will receive further information and the videoconference link some days before the symposium takes place.

For further information on this event, please contact JRC-MP-ILC@ec.europa.eu

For general enquiries about JRC’s activities in the area of microplastics please send an email to: JRC-MICROPLASTICS@ec.europa.eu

Related Content

Registration to the online symposium

Agenda

Report Current status of the quantification of microplastics in water - Results of a JRC/BAM inter-laboratory comparison study on PET in water

Background:
Finding the right methods for measuring microplastics in water

Venue

Online, EU