20 April 2023
On 18 April, Matteo Vinci and Maria Eugenia Molina Jack, researchers at the National Oceanographic Data Centre, successfully led the Discussing Global Database Synchronisation webinar. The event was organised in the framework of the EUROqCHARM project - EUROpean quality Controlled Harmonisation Assuring Reproducible Monitoring and assessment of plastic pollution. The main objective is to analyse and evaluate existing methods for assessing plastic pollution and to harmonise them at European level. This action has been funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Coordination and support action programme.
54 marine litter experts from around the world participated in the webinar to illustrate and discuss the progress made thanks to the activities of the EUROqCHARM consortium on this topic. This consortium brings together 15 EU partners involved in studying and monitoring plastic pollution in Europe. A multi-stakeholder approach was proposed to develop cost-effective monitoring strategies targeting a broad size spectrum of plastics in all environmental compartments: water, soil/sediment, air, and biota.
After a general introduction by OGS to the measures taken at the global level to address this issue, the results of EUROqCHARM from Work Packages 1 to 4 were presented, triggering a fruitful discussion. This was also stimulated by wp-related live polls. The above work packages have the following titles: WP1 - "Screening and analysis of existing methods and protocols for plastic pollution monitoring" WP2 - "Validation of methods for plastics analysis in environmental samples" WP3 - "Harmonisation: Integrate recommended procedures with policy, legislation and risk assessment" WP4 -" Capacity building".
Watch the recording and participate in the Interactive poll from the webinar.
Coming soon is the EUROqCHARM hands-on training on plastic pollution assessment and monitoring, which will last 2 or 3 days during the week of 3 July 2023. More information will be posted on the EUROqCHARM website soon. Stay tuned!
