The problem of pollution of European river systems by plastics and microplastics must be addressed at multiple points within water supply systems: both before and after wastewater treatment, in receiving water bodies, and ultimately all the way to the sea.
In this context, the UPSTREAM project aims to develop a range of innovative technological solutions to improve river water quality through monitoring, prevention, elimination from water bodies and the recovery of collected plastics.
- Reduction of pollution from waste, plastics and microplastics in European rivers
- Rapid adoption of innovative solutions to prevent and reduce river pollution
- Effective monitoring of waste, plastics and microplastics in freshwater to implement the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
- Contribution to the digital knowledge system through marine observations and data sharing
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Start | September 2023 |
| End | August 2027 (ongoing) |
| Theme | Circular economy, waste |
| Funding | SI (Horizon Europe) |
The case studies were selected based on geographical distribution and different types of wastewater treatment plants in order to maximise the impact of the project. Of the five demonstration sites, four are located at wastewater treatment plants (in the UK, Spain, Germany and Italy), while the fifth demonstration site is the Danube River in Serbia. In total, UPSTREAM aims to monitor and protect seven rivers: Trent and Redditch (United Kingdom), Ebro (Spain), Ticino and Olona (Italy), Queich (Germany) and Danube (Serbia), which flow through several major European capitals and into four different seas (Celtic, Mediterranean, Adriatic and North Sea).
The Italian case study aims to assess the fate of microplastics that reach wastewater treatment plants, and take preventive action: in collaboration with Novamont, different types of bioplastics will be tested, varying according to the final technological application, to assess their behaviour in treatment plants, with the aim of replacing the fossil-based plastics currently in use and reducing their release into the environment.
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