BLUELAKES – No microplastics, just waves.
| Grant agreement ID: LIFE18 GIE/IT/000813 | Funded under: EU LIFE 2014-2020 Program |
| Status: Ongoing project | Overall budget: € 2,530,927 |
| Start date: Nov 2019 | EU contribution: € 1,391,990 |
| End date: Nov 2022 | Coordinator: LEGAMBIENTE (Italy) |
General concept
LIFE Blue Lakes main objective is the prevention and reduction of microplastic waste in Italian and German lakes, by improving plastic-related decision-making processes at local, regional and national levels by addressing key target groups and relevant stakeholders (local administrations, regional agencies for the protection of the environment, companies, citizens, etc.) through participatory processes that will lead to the draft of the Lakes Papers, a voluntary tool with provisions and suggestions aimed at reducing the disposal of microplastics in lakes tailored for all different target groups (institutions, private companies, citizens). The project also foresees a classical awareness raising campaign for citizens along with specific training activities for managers and operators of water and wastewater treatment plants.
The role of UNIVPM in BLUELAKES
The occurrence of microplastics in drinking and wastewater treatment plants as well as in combined sewer overflows is determined and the removal efficiency of different processes is evaluated by UNIVPM. The results will be deployed to develop operative manuals and training activities, in order to support water utilities and public authorities that face the emerging problem of microplastics in water environment. The outcomes of the UNIVPM activities will be exploited to improve microplastics management strategies and to optimize treatment processes in order to reduce microplastics impacts on the environment. The results will not only support the technical aspects, but also engage stakeholders and increase public awareness about the microplastics presence in water and boost decision making for public authorities and municipalities to cease the problem.
Expected impacts
LIFE Blue Lakes approach and initiatives are expected to boost European and national political decision makers to adopt appropriate regulations to reduce plastic and micro-plastic litter in lakes. Furthermore, the project will contribute to more sustainable production and consumption: Companies from economic sectors which are using micro plastics will be motivated to substitute these substances. Citizens will be sensitized to avoid products which include or create micro plastics and to request the substitution of this ingredient.