After four years, the EU H2020-funded LabPlas (LAnd-Based solutions for PLAStics in the Sea) project has officially wrapped up—delivering groundbreaking science and policy guidance on marine microplastic pollution.
Tracing Plastics from Source to Sea
Led by Prof. Ricardo Beiras, a multidisciplinary team spanning 17 universities, research centers, and companies across eight countries (Spain, Germany, Belgium, UK, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Brazil) set out to pinpoint where land‑based microplastics enter Europe’s coastal waters. Experts in environmental modeling, oceanography, soil ecology, nanotechnology, and more worked together to characterize micro‑ and nanoplastics—their origins, sizes, types, and pathways into the marine environment.
Key Achievements
- Enhanced sampling: Novel tools now capture particles down to 10 µm—far below the previous 200 µm limit.
- Nanoplastic detection: New analytical methods identify plastics smaller than 1 µm.
- Toxicity bioassays: Integrated tests reveal impacts on food webs from small microplastics and associated chemicals.
- Computational tools: Models and mapping applications highlight pollution “hotspots,” supporting data‑driven governance.
From Research to Policy
Furthermore, the project hosted high‑level dialogues, issued technical recommendations, and launched a free, interactive online course—equipping civil society, researchers, and public bodies with the knowledge to tackle plastic pollution effectively.
We thank all partners and the European Commission for their dedication and support throughout these past four years. Though the LabPlas Project has concluded, its innovations and insights will continue to shape sustainable solutions for a cleaner, healthier sea.
