SFB 1357 Mikroplastik Seminar

Donnerstag, 13. Februar 2025
10:00, H30 im FAN-B Gebäude

Sustainability and Digitalization in R&D @ BASF
Dr. Helmut Winterling, President Group Research, BASF Ludiwgshafen

The chemical industry is facing groundbreaking transformations in the coming decades. These challenges will lead to significant changes how we create chemistry. BASF has set itself a Net Zero ambition by 2050 and strives to be a strong enabler of circular economy. The presentation highlights several key examples of the BASF journey to sustainability and how BASF is tackling these challenges through innovation. A key enabler which will be highlighted in the presentation are digital and modelling methods providing new routes to solutions.

Dr. Winterling studied chemistry at the University of Cologne, Germany, and obtained his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the same university in 1998. He began his career at BASF in 1999 as research manager, Polymer Research, in Ludwigshafen, Germany. In 2002, he was appointed consultant for Chemicals Policy, and subsequently, head of Chemicals Legislation, Environment, Health and Safety. In 2006, he took over the responsibility for Project and Investment Controlling, Styrenics. In 2008, Winterling became head of Global Strategic Marketing Foams, Performance Polymers. Four years later, he became vice president and staff to the chairman of the Board of Executive Directors. In 2016, he moved to Shanghai, China, as senior vice president, Advanced Materials & Systems Research/Dispersions & Pigments, of BASF Advanced Chemicals Co., Ltd. In 2021, he returned to Ludwigshafen, Germany, to assume the role of senior vice president, Senior Project R&D Transformation, before his appointment in 2022 as senior vice president, Digitalization, Automation and Innovation Management. In 2023, he became president of Group Research at BASF.

Link: Poster

Montag,13. Januar 2025
12:15, AI, H33 und Zoom

Dr. Johanna Schmidtmann, Hydrology, University of Bayreuth

CRC 1357 Insights: The role of heteroaggregation on the fate of microplastics in the environment

To understand how microplastic particles behave in the environment, it is essential to study their interactions with widely distributed environmental colloids. Processes like heteroaggregation will affect the fate and transport of microplastic particles. Furthermore, UV-irradiation alters the surface properties of microplastic particles, which plays a major role in the interactions with other substances. Here, I will present results from a study about the interactions between pristine and UV-weathered microplastic particles with naturally occurring iron oxyhydroxides. I will discuss the influence of surface properties of microplastics particles on their heteroaggregation and subsequent sedimentation in water.

Link: to Homepage: Dr. Johanna Schmidtmann
Link: Publikationen
Link: Poster

Montag,16. September 2024
10 Uhr, ZOOM und PNS Seminarraum,

PhD Seminar: Prasant Babu Ramesh of IITB-Monash Research Academy

Shaping the Fate of Microplastics: The Impact of Environmental Factors on Plastic Surfaces Interactions with Marinobacter sp.

Link: Poster
Link: Personal Homepage

Montag, 22. Juli 2024
12:15 Uhr, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H33, Angewandte Informatik-Gebäude

Prof. Dr. Shai Arnon, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel

Unraveling microplastic deposition in rivers through the lens of sedimentary processes

Studies on MP deposition sediments show that the shear stress theory, hyporheic exchange, and bioturbation can partly explain MP transport and deposition in streams. Nevertheless, these processes cannot fully explain the observed distributions of MPs, especially the incorporation into deeper stream sediments. In this talk, I will review the mechanisms of MP deposition and will show experimental and modeling results that explain why it is important to consider streambed movement when trying to predict MP transport in river networks. It is argued that incorporating data on MP distribution in riverbeds with fluvial geomorphological and particle transport models will improve the current evaluation of MP transport in river networks and their burial residence time distribution.

Link: Poster
Link: Personal Homepage
Host: Prof. Dr. Stefan Peiffer, Hydrologie, UBT

Montag, 08. Juli 2024
12:15 Uhr, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H33, Angewandte Informatik-Gebäude

Dr.-Ing. Gholamreza Shiravani,
Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz

3D-Modeling of microplastic transport in tidal rivers by including the bio-geological effects

Microplastic-transport mechanisms are using a developed 3D-numerical model for a tidal river from microplastic-sources (point form and diffusive sources) to accepting seas presented. The role of the bio-geological parameters on the fate of microplastics and their corresponding parametrization are explained. Moreover, the model capabilities and uncertainties are through the application of the model for microplastics-transport in the Weser estuary discussed. Finally, the model performance is through the comparison of the model results with microplastic-measurements for the Weser river evaluated. 

Link: Poster
Link: Betriebstelle Norden, Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz
Host: Prof. Dr. Vadym Aizinger, Wissenschaftliches Rechnen, UBT

Montag, 25 Juni 2024
9:00-13.00 CET, Seminarraum S 135, NW III

Projektbereichstreffen B-Projekte

Verhalten und Migration in und zwischen Umweltkompartimenten

Internes Projekttreffen für Doktoranden und PIs des Projektbereichs B, des S01-Projekts und der Z-Projekte. Die Es wird Präsentationen der Doktoranden zum Projektfortschritt geben und Diskussionen um die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit zwischen allen B-Projekten zu fördern.

Organisation: Projektbereichssprecher Prof. Dr. Stefan Peiffer and Dr. Martin Löder.

Montag, 29. April 2024
12:15 Uhr, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H33, Angewandte Informatik-Gebäude

Prof. Dr. Kay Saalwächter, Universität Halle

Recent progress in understanding polymer crystallization

The talk will emphasize the role of advanced characterization techniques, in particular solid-state NMR and small-angle X-ray scattering, for elucidating relevant factors for semicrystalline structure formation in polymers. The aim is to elucidate so far underestimated effects, specifically those of entanglements that accumulate in the amorphous phase and of chain diffusion through the crystals that enable lamellar thickening. The main findings have relied on the study of model polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide) and different polyesters. More recent work has focused on co-polyesters and defect-rich polyolefins as well as vitrimers, where the interplay of crystallization with defects and disorder is of interest.

Link: Poster
Host: Prof. Dr. Jürgen Senker, Anorganische Chemie III, UBT

Montag, 12.Februar 2024
12:00 Uhr, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H18, NWII

Prof. Dr. Denise Mitrano, ETH Zürich

Embracing ecosystem complexity to understand the environmental impacts of (nano- and micro)plastics pollution

Numerous studies have made the ubiquitous presence of plastics in the environment undeniable, and thus it is no longer a surprise when researchers measure the accumulation of macroplastic litter and microplastic fragments in both urban and remote sites. Understanding plastics pollution is frequently addressed by enumerating particle burdens through monitoring studies, assessing transport between environmental compartments or as an (eco)toxicological issue. However, fewer studies address the complexities of how the presence of MPs impact natural systems and biogeochemical cycles in a holistic way. In this presentation, I will discuss both analytical method developments to better assess nano- and microplastics fate and transport and biological interactions as well as address indirect impacts of plastics pollution. Some reflections on future policies and regulations may guide us in using plastics more sustainably to reduce the negative impacts of plastics across their entire lifecycle. 

Link : Environmental Chemistry of Anthropogenic Materials
Link: Poster
Host: Prof. Dr. Holger Ruckdäschel & Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch

Montag, 15.Januar 2024
12:00 Uhr, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H18, NWII

Prof. Dr. Gary Hardiman, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast

Toxicological impacts of micro- & nanoplastics on human and environmental health – A systems biology approach

One Health is a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. Plastic pollution has become a pressing issue, with plastics persisting in the environment and accumulating in various ecosystems, especially in aquatic environments. Microplastics and nanoplastics are enduring pollutants that remain intact in biological systems, potentially leading to bioaccumulation across trophic levels. These micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) have been widely acknowledged for their harmful effects on different biological levels, causing problems such as digestive tract blockage, energy depletion, inflammation, developmental defects, and behavioral changes. The leaching of chemical additives from plastics also poses risks to human and environmental health. We are undertaking a systems biology approach to study the toxicological impacts of MNPs, considering genes, proteins, metabolites, and cells, as well as organs, organisms, and populations. Marine species that ingest varying levels of plastic serve as valuable models for studying real-world plastic impacts. Abundant seabirds and the common marine hermit crab are examples of sentinel species we have used for monitoring plastic exposure effects. Humans primarily encounter MNPs through food and food packaging, potentially through inhalation. Chronic MNP exposure may lead to cumulative and long-term health effects, including inflammation, oxidative stress, lysosomal dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, apoptosis, and genotoxicity. Evidence from cell screening studies suggests that the aggregation of MNPs within living organisms can have negative long-term consequences. Addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems in the context of the One Health paradigm.

Link to Homepage: Prof. Dr. Gary Hardiman
Link: Poster
Host: Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch

Montag, 04.Dezember 2023
12:00 Uhr, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H18, NWII

Prof. Dr. Marie Sofie Møller, Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology, Technical University of Denmark

PET degradation by enzymes – impact and engineering of protein-surface interactions

Plastic-degrading enzymes have garnered increasing attention over the past decade as potential tools for addressing plastic waste recycling challenges. However, their efficiency in industrial applications is generally limited. A key issue is that these enzymes have not evolved to interact specifically with plastic. While many proteins tend to adhere nonspecifically to plastics, enzymes must establish precise and productive binding interactions. This specificity is essential to allow the enzyme's active site to engage with the substrate while permitting its subsequent detachment from the surface. To overcome this challenge, we explore the utilization of natural protein modules, which nature employs to facilitate interactions between enzymes and recalcitrant polysaccharides such as cellulose, starch, and chitin. Although a handful of these modules have shown promise in binding to plastic substrates, this binding diversity has not yet undergone systematic investigation. We employ a diverse array of methods to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing these interactions: pull-down assays (high-throughput setup), enzymatic assays, NMR spectroscopy, and newly developed microscopy methods.

Link to Homepage: Prof. Dr. Marie Sofie Moller
Link: Poster
Host: Prof. Dr. Birte Höcker

Montag, 06.November 2023
12:00 Uhr, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H18, NWII

Dr. Katharina Ruthsatz, Evolutionsbiologie, TU Braunschweig

Life in plastic, it's not fantastic? Effects of microplastics pollution throughout amphibian metamorphosis

Microplastics (MP) are one of the fastest-growing sources of environmental pollution due to the increase in plastic consumption and a poor plastic waste management. In living systems, MP ingestion can trigger a variety of harmful effects on digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems which might ultimately impair all vital rates. MP can also be accumulated and transferred through the food chain. Considering that amphibian population declines are at the forefront of the biodiversity crisis, understanding the toxicological risks posed by MP to amphibians is a highly important research topic for their conservation. However, such risks are still mostly unknown for amphibians. Using the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) as a  model species, we explored the toxicity of MP pollution in amphibian. In particular, we investigated whether polyethylene MP ingestion affects amphibian growth and development and leads to metabolic changes across two consecutive life stages (larvae and juveniles). Furthermore, we assessed MP accumulation in the body at both life stages. Our results provide first insights into the sublethal effects of MP on amphibians throughout metamorphosis as well as its potential to be ontogenetically transferred, and we demonstrate a possible coping mechanism with the nutritional repercussions accompanying MP ingestion through a plastic response in intestinal morphology.

Link to Homepage: Dr. Katharina Ruthsatz
Link: Poster
Host: Prof. Dr. Heike Feldhaar

Montag, 12. June 2023

16:15, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H18, NWII

Dr. Patrizia Pfohl, Colloid Science & Materials Properties, Microplastics & Nanomaterials, BASF SE

Aging of Intentionally Produced Microplastic Particles for Innovative Applications

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, but their fragmentation and degradation mechanisms are not fully understood, although essential to estimate their fate and impacts. Industry has a responsibility to develop polymers that fit into a sustainable circular economy, so we aim to fill knowledge gaps regarding degradation and fragmentation processes of microplastics in different environmental compartments with the aid of appropriate laboratory set-ups for experimental reproducibility and environmental relevance. To investigate partially biodegraded microplastics occurring in complex environmental matrices, non-destructive extraction protocols with extensive controls are needed to assure particle and polymer stability, homogeneous sampling and appropriate recovery. We did biodegradation tests in combination with the developed extraction protocol for polyurethane (PU) microplastics to reveal which chemical design is needed to improve biodegradability of PU microplastics in the environment. In addition to that we developed an adapted NanoRelease protocol to investigate dry UV aging of polyamide and PU microplastics, as well as the release of micro- and nanoplastic fragments and water-soluble organics. In both studies, microplastic degradation resulted in fragmentation, but degradation strongly depends on the polymer composition and the environmental stresses. Overall, we want to underline the importance of quality control by reference materials used for spiking, extraction efficiency, and systematic comparison against blank controls for microplastic aging, extraction, harmonized data report and analysis.

LinkedIn Profile: Dr. Patrizia Pfohl
Link: Poster
Host: Prof. Dr. Holger Ruckdäschel

Montag, 30. Januar 2023
16:15, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H18, NWII

Dr. Sonja Oberbeckmann, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Rostock

The microplastic microbiome

Microplastics in the ocean are readily colonized by a broad range of microorganisms. The talk will cover which microorganisms use microplastics as a habitat, how environmental factors drive this colonization, and why biodegradation of plastic in the marine system is overall an unlikely process. We will also discuss whether potentially pathogenic microorganisms are hitchhiking on microplastics. Finally, potential ecological consequences of the microplastic-microbiome-interactions will be presented.

Link to Homepage: Dr. Sonja Oberbeckmann
Link: Poster

Montag, 12. Dezember 2022
16:15, ZOOM und Hörsaal: H18, NWII

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Josef Endres, Leiter Institut für Kunststoff- und Kreislauftechnik, Leibniz Universität Hannover

Closing the gap between laboratory and field tests to investigate the aquatic degradability of plastics

Der Vortrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage wie zur Untersuchung der aquatischen Abbaubarkeit von Kunststoffen die Lücke zwischen Labortests und realen Umweltbedingungen geschlossen werden kann. In diesem Kontext werden die zugehörigen technischen Ansätze (z.B. „Wippschüttler“, MikroCT) sowie erste Ergebnisse daraus dargestellt. Übergeordnetes Ziel ist ein verbessertes Verständnis der Zusammenhänge zwischen den Abbauvorgängen (Mechanismen, Kinetik, Halbwertszeit), den Umgebungsbedingungen (Sauerstoffverfügbarkeit, Temperatur, Salzgehalt, Lichteinstrahlung, Zeit) und den Material-parameter (Molekülaufbau, Mikrostruktur, spezifische Oberfläche) zur spezifisch Entwicklung aquatisch abbaubarer Biokunststoffe.

Link to Homepage: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Josef Endres
Link: Poster

Monday, 25. Juli 2022
16:00, Virtual ZOOM or H18, NWII

Prof. Dr. Peter Fiener, Water and Soil Resource Research, University Augsburg
Coordinator of the EU Innovative Training Network ‘Macro and micro plastic in agricultural soil systems (SOPLAS)'

Arable soils - a leaking sink of microplastic?

This talk will focus on the potential importance of surface runoff and soil erosion as long-lasting pathway of microplastic from arable soils to inland waters. It will be subdivided into a general introduction regarding the challenges in dealing with soil and microplastic erosion on larger scales and will present original research comprising microplastic erosion process studies as well as first modelling approaches quantifying the erosion transport pathway in a mesoscale catchment. The latter underpins that even if the microplastic input to arable soils could be regulated today, soils would remain a diffuse microplastic source for inland waters for centuries

Link to Homepage: Peter Fiener
Link: Poster

Montag, 16. May 2022
16:00, H33, AI und Zoom

Insights SFB 1357 Mikroplastik: Nachverfolgung des Mikroplastik-Transports auf der Bodenoberfläche und an der Wasser-Sediment Grenze

Die SFB 1357-Mitglieder Jan-Pascal Boos und Hannes Laermanns geben Einblicke in die aktuelle Mikroplastikforschung. Mikroplastik ist in der Umwelt allgegenwärtig. Da sich die Eigenschaften von Mikroplastikpartikeln erheblich von natürlichen Sedimenten unterscheiden können, ist wenig über die spezifischen Transportmechanismen bekannt, die für die Verteilung von anthropogenen Quellen zu natürlichen Senken verantwortlich sind. Wir stellen zwei Ansätze vor, um den Transport von unbelastetem und bioverschmutztem fluoreszierendem Mikroplastik in zwei verschiedenen Systemen zu verfolgen: An der Wasser-Sediment-Grenze in einer Versuchsrinne und während des Abflusses in einem Laboraufbau und mit Computersimulationen.

Link to Homepage: Hannes Laermanns
Link to Homepage: Jan-Pascal Boos
Link: Posterankündigung

Montag, 04. April 2022
16:00, H33, AI und Zoom

Insights SFB 1357 Mikroplastik: Mikroplastik ist nicht Mikroplastik -
Wenn Partikeleigenschaften über die biologische Wirkung entscheiden

Die SFB 1357 Doktoranden Matthias Völkl und Simon Wieland geben Einblicke in die aktuelle Mikroplastikforschung. Warum ist Mikroplastik nicht gleich Mikroplastik? Wann gefährden eingeatmete Mikropartikel unsere Gesundheit? Was unterscheidet sie von anderen Partikeln? Zwei aktuelle Publikationen im Journal of Hazardous Materials widmen sich genau diesen beiden Fragen. Die beiden Doktoranden bieten exklusive Einblicke in die interdisziplinäre Forschung am SFB 1357 Mikroplastik.

• Link: Poster
  

• Pressemitteilung UBT: From properties to toxicity: comparing microplastics to other airborne microparticles
• Open Access Original Article: From properties to toxicity: comparing microplastics to other airborne microparticles

• Pressemitteilung UB: Supposedly identical microplastic particles substantially differ in their material
• Open Access Original Article: Supposedly identical microplastic particles substantially differ in their material

Montag, 24.Januar 2022

Nanotechnology, Nanogeosciences, Nanoplastics: Similarities and Perspectives
Prof. Dr. Thilo Hofmann, Environmental Geosciences, Universität Wien

Hoffmann´s talk will address natural (NPs), engineered (ENPs) and microplastic (nano)particles (MPs) and specific aspects concerning the detection and prediction of nanoparticle fate. It will focus on new analytical concepts and “old” knowledge from nanogeoscience, which might be of importance for MPs research and the use of nanotechnology in the field of plant agriculture.

Link to Homepage: Thilo Hoffmann
Link: Poster

Montag, 15. November 2021

Assessing origin and fate of airborne (microplastic) particles via molecular-level composition analysis
Prof. Dr. Anke Nölscher, Atmosphärische Chemie, Universität Bayreuth

The chemical composition of airborne particles can aid to diagnose their origin, atmospheric age and impact on air quality, weather and climate. This seminar talk will highlight the potential of a molecular-level composition analysis for studying sources and impact of (microplastic) particles in the atmosphere

Link to Homepage: Anke Nölscher
Link: Posterankündigung

Montag, 25.Oktober 2021

Possibilities to group micro- and nanoplastic particles:
Insights from the perspective of the BMBF project InnoMat.Life
PD Dr. Andrea Haase, Abteilung Chemikalien- und Produktsicherheit, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR)

Compared to grouping of conventional substances or nanomaterials, establishing grouping approaches for micro- and nanoscaled plastic particles (MNPs) is much more challenging. The description of the chemical composition is more complicated for polymers and these particles are inherently heterogenous in many key properties.

This talk will provide an overview on the experimental work conducted within the InnoMat.Life consortium (www.innomatlife.de) to challenge possible grouping criteria using a variety of selected MNPs including several types of polyethylene, polyamide, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate and a rubber material obtained from recycled truck tires. As potential grouping criteria we assessed, among others, surface reactivity and biological effects considering human and environmental model systems, transport of different environmental contaminants, sedimentation and flotation behavior as well as ageing and fragmentation rates.

Based on our current data first conclusions concerning suitable approaches and criteria for grouping of different MNPs are possible. Our work is important for developing approaches to assess risks for human health and the environment.

Link to Homepage: Chemicals and Product Safety, BfR
Link: Posterankündigung

27-29.Juli 2021
Hotel The Monarch, Bad Gögging

SFB 1357 Klausurtagung, Interne SFB Veranstaltung

Montag, 28. Juni 2021
17:00 Uhr, Virtual Seminar (ZOOM)

Modelling microplastic input into agricultural soils – first results and a perspective
Dr. Elke Brandes, Institut für Ländliche Räume, Thünen-Insitut, Braunschweig

In both science and society, agriculture has been featuring prominently as an emitter of microplastics into soils, but its relevance compared with other sources (industry, littering, etc.) remains largely unknown. The talk will include some spatially explicit modelling results of MP emission distributions from the BMBF funded projects PLAWES and MicroCatch_Balt, and discuss these in context with the whole transport pathway chain from terrestrial to marine environments. It will also highlight the importance of multi-scale modelling approaches towards a holistic understanding as a basis for political decision-making.

Posterankündigung: SFB 1357 Seminar Dr. Elke Brandes
Link zur Homepage: Elke Brandes

Montag, 24. Februar 2020
17:00 Uhr, NWIII, H36

Synthesis of functionalized, monodisperse microparticles from different plastic materials
Dr. habil Lars Dähne, Surflay Nanotec GmbH, Berlin

Link zu Homepage: Surflay

Öffentliches Seminar - Alle Interessierten sind herzlich eingeladen!

Montag, 27. Januar 2020
17:00 Uhr, NWIII, H36

Wissenschaftskommunikation: Nachhaltigkeit und Mikroplastik
Prof. Dr. Marco Beeken, Didaktik der Chemie, Universität Osnabrück

Die Themen Umweltschutz und Nachhaltigkeit werden im Moment intensiv in der Gesellschaft, den Medien, der Wissenschaft und der Politik diskutiert. Auch wenn das allgemeine Interesse groß ist stellt man fest das viele Bürger, Journalisten und Politiker oft weniger gut informiert sind, wenn es um Details geht.
Eine wichtige Rolle in der Informationsweitergabe an die Gesellschaft, Medien und Politik spielt die Wissenschaftskommunikation. In diesem Vortrag werden theoretische Grundlagen der Wissenschaftskommunikation am Beispiel von Mikroplastik präsentiert, spezifische Veranstaltungsformate und deren Ergebnisse (Wirkung) vorgestellt.

Link zu Homepage: Prof. Beeken
Ankündigung: Poster

Öffentliches Seminar - Alle Interessierten sind herzlich eingeladen!

Mittwoch, 11. Dezember 2019
16:15 Uhr, NWI, H11

Prof. Dr. Eva Lehndorff, Bodenökologie, Universität Bayreuth
Prof. Dr. Tillmann Lüders, Ökologische Mikrobiologie, Universität Bayreuth

SFB-internes Seminar für Teilprojektleitende und Promovierende.

Mittwoch, 27. November 2019
16:15 Uhr, NWI, H11

Microbial Degradation of Plastics: Searching the Needle in the Haystack
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Streit, Mikrobiologie und Biotechnologie, Universität Hamburg

"Bacteria as plastic waste disposal? Will microorganisms be able to eat microplastics in the future and thus remove them from the environment? What is behind the microorganisms, what effect they have and what opportunities there are for the reduction of nano- and microplastics will be explained here. Further I will address our latest attempts to identify plastic-degrading enzymes and bacteria by mining global metagenomes."

Link zu Homepage: Prof. Streit

Ankündigung: Poster

Öffentliches Seminar - Alle Interessierten sind herzlich eingeladen!