ZEROPOLLUTION-04 Looking for collaborations regarding microplastics in surface- and ground-water and soil

Lab's Initiatives on Microplastics Research

The Mineralogy–Geology Laboratory at AUA has been actively addressing the methodological challenges of microplastics extraction from water, using both EU-certified and non-certified reference materials through major EU interlaboratory tests.

By combining optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, we have achieved full characterization (quantification and identification) of microplastics across various geological settings, including karstic systems and Neogene sediments, enabling accurate mapping of groundwater pollution levels.

Through soil and sediment experiments, we are advancing our understanding of microplastic transport mechanisms through porous media.

In the area of surface water research, our laboratory is conducting the first study of microplastics in the alpine zone. We are currently developing a large dataset assessing pollution levels in Greek alpine lakes, with a particular focus on microplastics contamination in both water and soil.

Our laboratory is equipped with:

• ICP-OES instrument

• Leica Stereoscopes

• Leica Microscopes

• μ-Raman Spectrometer

We are looking for EU-partnerships in order to contribute in advancing knowledge, offer our expertise, advance our network and tackle microplastic pollution.