HELCOM Monitoring Programme topic Litter. Programme: Microlitter particle abundance and characteristics.

Abstract

A common monitoring strategy is missing because monitoring methods are under development, and a common approach needs to be agreed upon. Monitoring should enable the identification of artificial polymer particles from other litter materials. It is however possible that some of the methods currently used may harm certain materials. Microlitter in water will be monitored by sampling in the water column with plankton nets. The amount and the composition (as far as possible) of the microparticles will be analyzed.