On 19 March 2026, the AQUACARE project held an international technical workshop focused on the analysis of microplastics in wastewater and river systems, a key emerging challenge within the European regulatory context.
The event brought together project partners and experts to share experience, compare methodologies and move towards harmonised procedures that enable reliable assessment of microplastics presence and removal throughout the urban water cycle.
Key topics discussed included:
- sampling approaches in wastewater treatment plants and rivers,
- the impact of sample volume on data representativeness,
- comparison between influent and effluent samples to assess treatment efficiency,
- and alignment of protocols with the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
The outcomes of the workshop will inform the upcoming sampling campaigns scheduled for May, reinforcing the project’s scientific and technical framework and contributing to improved management of emerging contaminants in Southwest Europe.
Through these actions, AQUACARE continues to advance its mission to protect aquatic ecosystems, improve water quality and support evidence-based decision-making.