LABPLAS Concludes After Five Years of Groundbreaking Research on Plastic Pollution

After five years of intensive research, the LABPLAS project has come to a successful conclusion, advancing our understanding of the sources, transport, and environmental impact of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems. The initiative was designed to equip policymakers with robust, science-based insights to support the development of effective plastic governance strategies.

LABPLAS centred its work around three key field case studies, conducted on the River Thames (UK), the Elbe (Germany), and the Mero (Spain). These studies involved comprehensive field sampling, followed by advanced chemical analyses to identify the chemical fingerprints of micro- and nanoplastics and to explore their biodegradation processes.

A crucial component of the project included assessing the toxicity of various plastic polymers on select fish species to ensure reproducibility and deepen understanding of the biological impacts of plastic exposure. The environmental and laboratory findings were integrated into plastic dispersal models, generating actionable data and policy recommendations aligned with the European Union’s goal of achieving zero plastic pollution by 2050.

EGI played a key role in supporting the project with its expertise in data management, preservation, and curation. Through its EGI DataHub service, it enabled the deployment and operation of infrastructure for storing and sharing project outputs. EGI also helped design and implement the project’s Data Management Strategy and Plan, ensuring the data lifecycle was managed effectively. In the final stages, EGI contributed to the project's communication and dissemination efforts, including supporting the organisation of the final project meeting.

LABPLAS leaves behind a legacy of scientific innovation and collaborative effort, offering a valuable contribution toward cleaner, healthier oceans.