Plastic Pollution

Nanoplastics in the North Atlantic

A UFZ research group teamed up with Dutch colleagues to search for nanoplastics in the North Atlantic. They found the tiny plastic particles in all depth zones between the temperate and subtropical zones of the ocean. In terms of mass, the amount is comparable to what has been found in microplastics to date, they write in the journal Nature. Therefore, nanoplastics play a much more important role in marine pollution than previously assumed. 

Biodiversity Policy

Five Steps to Successful Nature Restoration

Military defense and competitiveness are currently at the top of the political agenda in Europe. As a result, another important issue is at risk of being overlooked: the protection of biodiversity. However, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) offers good opportunities for progress in this area. In the journal Restoration Ecology, experts from three German policy advisory bodies, including UFZ researchers, describe how this can be achieved. 

Extreme Events

Why Germany needs a National Drought Management

For more than ten years, the UFZ has been publishing the Drought Monitor, which provides daily comprehensive information on soil moisture conditions in Germany. It helps water, forestry, and agriculture sectors to adapt their use of water resources. When it comes to dealing with droughts, the federal government, municipalities, and other stakeholders need a management plan, says UFZ scientist Dr Andreas Marx. He explains what this might look like. 

Earth and Environment

Planetary Solutions and Science Communication

Economic strength and security cannot be achieved if policy loses sight of the protection of the climate and biodiversity, says UFZ Director Prof Katrin Böhning-Gaese. However, constant warnings of an ecological catastrophe can lead to climate anxiety, fear of the future, or resignation among the population. Therefore, science communication must focus more strongly than before on solutions in order to create broad public acceptance for transformation. 

Statement

Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals founded

On June 20, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution was established under the umbrella of the UN. Alongside the IPCC (climate change) and IPBES (biodiversity loss), it aims to tackle the third global environmental crisis – environmental pollution. For UFZ environmental chemist Prof Werner Brack this is an important milestone in the long-overdue global environmental monitoring. 

Natural Climate Protection

Healthy Ecosystems – a Key Lever for Climate Protection

The Federal Government's Action Program Natural Climate Protection is one of the largest nature conservation funding programs in Germany. The Scientific Advisory Board for Natural Climate Protection, which includes two UFZ researchers, has identified areas for action in a statement and proposed recommendations on how the climate protection potential of natural ecosystems such as peatlands, floodplains, coasts, and forests can be consistently utilised. 

Statement

Three Levers to Stop Living on Credit

Humanity is wasting the Earth's natural resources. This is clearly demonstrated by Earth Overshoot Day. This day, on which mankind has used up all the natural resources that the Earth can regenerate within a year, has been moved forward every year.  But we can change that, says UFZ director Katrin Böhning-Gaese: By changing our consumption patterns, population growth, and resource use. 

Chemical Testing

Neurotoxic? New Approach Provides Rapid Answers

An estimated 350,000 chemicals are currently commercially available worldwide. Little is known about which of these may be harmful to the (developing) brain. UFZ researchers have therefore designed and tested a method that can close this gap. It enables high-throughput neurotoxicity testing and avoids conventional animal testing. The study was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. 

Low Water Levels

Consequences for the Elbe Floodplain

Low water levels are not limited to the river itself, but also lower the groundwater level along its banks. Floodplain waters then become increasingly subject to drought stress – especially if they are permanently separated from the main river channel. This has been demonstrated by a UFZ research team that studied the condition of countless small water bodies in the Elbe floodplains near Magdeburg. The results were published in the journal Ecological Engineering. 

National “Jugend forscht” Competition

Young Researchers Successful with UFZ Support

Congratulations! A total of 167 young people made it to the 60th national ‘Jugend forscht’ competition with their research projects in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology. Among the award winners were two teams whose work was supported by scientists at the UFZ. The students' research focused on the use of viruses for pest control and a special application of the simulation software OpenGeoSys in the field of groundwater remediation.