Plastic in the Danube

The report “Plastics 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 calculate transport and annual cargo. Diffuse sources are mainly responsible for the entry of plastic into the Danube. In order to reduce the pollution of watercourses, uniform measurement methods are recommended across Europe, as well as measures in the field of waste management, littering and production and processing, as well as an increased dialogue among stakeholders at European level. The study was conducted under the leadership 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.