Plastic in the Danube

The report ‘Plastik in der Donau’ (Plastic in the Danube) examines the presence of plastic in the flowing wave of the Danube in Austria. A measurement method has been developed to ensure representative sampling and to calculate transport and annual freight. Diffuse sources are mainly responsible for the entry of plastic into the Danube. In order to reduce the pollution of rivers, uniform measurement methods as well as measures in waste management, littering and in the area of production and processing are recommended throughout Europe, as well as an increased dialogue among stakeholders at European level. The study was conducted under the direction of the Federal Environment Agency together with BOKU and ViaDonau on behalf of the BMLFUW and the federal states of Lower Austria, Upper Austria and Vienna.