Lead: Ronny Blust 

Universiteit Antwerpen

Image credit: CIM-Universidade de Vigo

About

Work Package 7 will establish a diffused Smart Hub of analytical facilities to overcome methodological problems in particle characterization, covering particle dimensions from small microplastics (< 100 μm) to nanoplastics. The Smart Hub will provide a comprehensive combination of analytical techniques to characterize polymer typology, particle size and shapes, surface charge, and sorbed compounds. The instrumental facilities and expertise necessary to support analytical needs, harmonization, and standardization of common procedures will be provided by the University of Antwerpen, University of Heidelberg, Örebro University, Polytechnic University of Marche, and Perkin Elmer.

Key Tasks

• Compilation of literature database

• Determination of size and shapes

• Determination of polymer type

• Measurement of associated contaminants

• Consortium needs, harmonization-training