The University of Maribor (UM), the Domžale Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and the Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee (VLIZ) have started seasonal sampling in the Kamniška Bistrica river to assess the presence of microplastics in the river and to determine the potential effects of the WWTP on the microplastic pollution levels of the river.
UM has launched a seasonal monitoring programme in the Kamniška Bistrica river to assess the presence of microplastics in the river. This initiative focuses on sampling both upstream and downstream of the Domžale WWTP effluent to assess potential microplastic pollution in the river and to determine the effects of the WWTP on microplastic pollution levels.
The samples were collected using the advanced VLIZ Ferrybox device, which enables accurate extraction of water samples containing microparticles. The device is used to retain particles on sieves of different sizes, which are later rinsed into glass bottles to concentrate the sample. Samples were taken at two locations (upstream and downstream of the WWTP effluent) with three replicates to provide a comprehensive snapshot of microplastic pollution throughout the river.
In addition to environmental sampling on the river, samples were also collected from the WWTP effluent in order to determine the microplastic pollution levels of the effluent water. Analysis of these samples will provide information on the microplastic abundance in the water that will be used as the inlet flow for the INSPIRE retention and elimination technologies installed at WWTP Domžale.
The samples are currently being analysed at VLIZ, where experts are examining them for the presence of microplastics. Further seasonal sampling is planned in the coming months: one in winter, one in spring and another in summer. These repeated samplings will provide valuable insights into the seasonal variations in microplastic pollution and help to identify future environmental management strategies.
1. Satellite image indicating river sampling locations before and after the WWTP
2. Using the VLIZ Ferrybox device to sample particles from the river
3. Sample preparation for detection of microplastics in the river flow
4. Sampling of the WWTP effluent flow in the channel located inside the WWTP
Contact:
Name: Annamaria Vujanović
E-mail: annamaria.vujanovic@um.si
