GHentToxLab - UGent has proven and internationally recognized expertise in the field of microplastic detection and monitoring and in the evaluation of the uptake and (adverse) effects of these particles in biota. It also has long-standing and extensive research and regulatory expertise/experience in the area of environmental risk assessment of chemicals and other contaminants. The publication record of GhentToxLab is available on www.ecotox.ugent.be.
All national and EU environmental and Human Health regulatory and policy action is based on the scientific basis of a common, integrated risk assessment framework. Examples of these types of science are found in EU regulations/directives such a REACH, Water Framework Directive, Marine Strategy Framework, Biocide Directive, etc... Using risk assessment techniques, a quantitative assessment of the risks of chemical, contaminant or technology is made and/or safe environmental (or human health) concentrations are derived.

Although the Proposal ‘JPI Oceans Pilot Action Report’ (30 September 2013) mentions ‘the risk assessment approach, it does not specify what type of research (currently lacking) is needed to assess present and future risks posed by microplastics in the marine environment (including man).

The work proposed (by Ugent) here aims to address this issue by (1) preparing for and holding a technical workshop, and (2) producing a final (tehnical) report with recommendations for focused, integrated research to be performed in the JPI Pilot Action Microplastics.