Pillars

The scientific symposium is build around three pillars: Origin, Structure, and Fate. On the second day, three expert sessions are organized. In each session, one of the pillars will be the central theme. To ensure all participants are able to attend the pillar that is most interesting for them, we ask you to select your main pillar during registration. Below you can find a general description of each pillar. 

Origin

Fragmentation processes are crucial to understanding the origin of nanoplastics (and microplastics). Incorporating fragmentation in numerical models for plastic transport in the ocean allows us to detect when and where particles become so small that they transition to a colloidal state. For colloidal particles, buoyant forces are neglectable therefore changing their transport patterns. In this workshop, we will discuss and share thoughts on how nanoplastics are generated from a physico-chemical perspective and how could we represent them in numerical simulations.

Structure

Bulk polymers are often characterized by a set of defined properties, such as molecular weight, glass transition temperature and tensile strength. Such a set of defined parameters is not present for the characterization of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs). As a result, properties that are reported in literature for (environmental) MNPs do often differ. In the ‘Structure’ pillar we will focus those properties that are of interest for characterization of (environmental) MNPs, such as their size, elemental composition, surface roughness and chemistry, chemical structure, density and mass. Related to reporting those properties, are the analytical challenges we face when investigating the physical-chemical properties of MNPs. We will discuss best practice for sample preparation, the state-of-the-art of analytical instruments and knowledge gaps in the field.

Fate

The fate of nanoplastics and their behaviors in marine systems (including their ability to aggregate, sediment, accumulate, and transfer through the trophic chain) represent a frontier area of research. In addition to particles released to the sea as nanoplastics, the degradation of larger plastic pieces in marine environments may yield nanoscale particles with varying shapes, sizes, and chemical compositions. In this session, a panel-led discussion will examine our current state of knowledge and remaining questions regarding how nanoplastics interact with their environment (including the important role of aquatic microorganisms), the consequences for both ecosystem and human health, and the importance of ‘relevance’ when designing experiments.

 

Please note that there is a maximum number of participants that can join each expert session. The participants will be divided in groups based on their preference and research field.