Research organisations in Denmark are collaborating to investigate the impact of plastic in the ocean and identify whether new legislation is required.
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU), the university’s National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) and environmental department (DTU Environment) are joining forces with Aalborg University under the aegis of the latter’s MarinePlastic research centre.
Supported by funds of DKK20m from charitable investor, the Velux Foundation, the two institutes will research the effect of microplastics in zooplankton, mussels and fish.
Researchers led by Professor Neilson and senior research Nanna B Hartmann from DTU Environment will investigate under what circumstances zooplankton, mussels and fish ingest microplastics and what happens as a result.
"It can have major consequences for the entire ecosystem if microplastics affect zooplankton negatively, as plankton forms the basis of the marine food webs and is an important food source for many fish, birds and marine mammals,” explained DTU Aqua’s Professor Torkel Gissel Nielson.
Action needed
The MarinePlastic research centre aims to develop evidence-based solutions to plastic pollution. This necessitates an analysis of which kinds of scientific information are needed to meet current regulations and whether the current knowledge-base is up to date and relevant.
"In the project we will act as knowledge brokers between researchers and other stakeholders, for example, authorities, industry and NGOs, so that research results can be transferred into action,” said Associate Professor Steffen Foss Hansen from DTU Environment.
