The results of the study showed that the Romanian sector of the Danube transports on average 48.5 tons of microplastics and 48 tons of macroplastics each year, with the highest quantities recorded at the Moldova Veche sampling station, close to the Danube's entry into the country. The alluvial samples collected from Moldova Veche, contained amounts which are several times higher, both microplastic and macroplastic, than those from Gruia and Isaccea areas. These results showed that the Iron Gates I and II basins serve as temporary reservoirs for plastic waste. High concentrations of microplastics have been found at the surface of the water and at greater depths, indicating that microplastics are most likely transported fixed to mineral silt, flora, and fauna, with a major impact on the aquatic biosphere.
Polyethylene was identified in all samples analyzed by spectrometric methods, in a proportion of 52-86%. This polymer is found in most food packaging and household products such as bags and containers. Polypropylene (present in most samples, in a proportion of 12-26%) is found in the composition of materials used to obtain products such as caps, plugs, household appliances, bars and pipes.
The study was the largest of its kind conducted in Romania. It was carried out over five seasons between 2022 and 2023, with 14 sampling campaigns (135 samples), in three sections along the Romanian Danube in the locations: Moldova Noua, Gruia and Isaccea.
The study supports government organizations and the research community in efforts to prevent microplastic pollution. It also stressed the importance of responsible action to protect the environment.
It is important to note that this study was inspired by a previous study conducted in Austria and involved considerable efforts from "Dunarea de Jos" University of Galati – REXDAN Research Center, Lower Danube River Administration (AFDJ), National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management (NIHWM), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU) and other partners.
Team project from “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati:
- Professor Viorica Musat, PhD
- Professor Catalina Iticescu, PhD - Rexdan
- Professor Puiu-Lucian Georgescu, PhD - Rexdan
- Assistant research, Madalina Calmuc - Rexdan
- Assistant research, Valentina Andreea - Rexdan
- Alina Ceoromila, PhD
- Associate professor, Alexandru Petrica, PhD
- Alina Iftode, PhD
- Professor Catalin Fetecau, PhD
- Associate professor, Florin Susac, PhD
- Marius Corneliu Gheonea, PhD
- Ionut Laurentiu Sandu, PhD
National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management - NIHWM
- Eng. Cristina Trifu
- Eng. Nicolae Barbieru
- Viorel Chendes, PhD
- Eng. Ionela Enache
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences / Universität für Bodenkultur Wien /University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
- Professor Marcel Liedermann, PhD
- Eng. Sebastian Pessenlehner, PhD
- Martin Hinterleitner
- Expert Dr. eng Ioan Mateescu
Lower Danube River Administration
- Dr. Eng. Angela Stela Ivan
- Eng. Iulian Gabriel Panaite
- Eng. Andrei Irimia
- Marta Popescu – Program coordinator „Cu Apele Curate”
- Doru Mitrana – President
Global Water Partnership Association in Romania (GWP – Romania):
- Eng. Dr. Procop Ionut - Project manager and responsible for conducting the study case
