Microplastics in the Elbe River
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 10 March 2021
Researchers found 200–2100 microplastic particles/m³ in Elbe water. Most were under 100 µm. High measurement uncertainty (25–200%) was due to uneven distribution. Study sets new standard using BIPM guidelines.
Keywords: microplastics, Elbe, BIPM, uncertainty, water sampling
Droughts in Germany could become more extreme
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 19 March 2021
Future droughts in Germany could surpass 2018 levels. AWI study shows megadroughts arise from multiple factors: high temps, low solar radiation, and North Atlantic circulation changes—similar to expected future conditions.
Keywords: megadrought, Germany, AWI, North Atlantic, solar radiation, atmospheric pressure
Assessing the Impacts of Nodule Mining on the Deep-Sea Environment
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 6 April 2021
The JPI Oceans “MiningImpact” team is independently monitoring a nodule collector test in the Pacific CCZ to study environmental impacts of deep-sea mining, aiming to inform stricter regulations by the International Seabed Authority.
Keywords: MiningImpact, deep-sea mining, Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, environmental monitoring, manganese nodules, International Seabed Authority, sediment plume
