Conference on Microplastics in Drinking Water Highlights the Danube Region's Efforts to Safeguard Public Health

Urgent Focus on Microplastics
Defined as tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in size, microplastics have increasingly entered the public lexicon, becoming a buzzword in both environmental and health discussions. From scientific research to media coverage, their pervasive presence in our water systems has sparked widespread concern and curiosity. As awareness continues to grow, microplastics now serve as a symbol of the broader pollution crisis, resonating not only with environmentalists, but also with the general public. 

Microplastics have emerged as a global environmental issue, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and even potentially human health. The conference, held under the framework of the Danube Strategy, explored the journey of microplastics through water systems, from their sources in urban and industrial areas to their potential presence in household taps.

Adam Kovacs, Technical Expert on pollution control and water quality at the ICPDR, attended the conference. Kovacs has played a key role in supporting the coordination of basin-wide actions to appropriately respond to plastic pollution, ensuring that efforts are comprehensive across the Danube River Basin. Notably, Kovacs has also contributed to a key publication, the ICPDR’s guidance on plastic pollution control in the field of plastics management in the DRB. This publication was co-authored with the Tidy Up Team and focuses on reducing plastic waste in waterways. 

“Attending the 'From Source to Tap' conference in Budapest was a crucial opportunity to further our basin-wide efforts to tackle both macro and microplastic pollution. The exchange of knowledge and collaborative spirit reaffirmed that the solutions to protect the Danube lie in coordinated actions across borders and sectors."
- Adam Kovacs, ICPDR Technical Expert on Pollution Control and Water Quality

Collaborative Solutions and Research
The conference was organized by the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), the Water Quality Subgroup, and other key partners. It highlighted the crucial role of collaborative research in addressing microplastic contamination, as well as the importance of harmonized policies among Danube countries. Most notably, the discussions focused on:

• Current research findings on microplastic levels in drinking water.
• Innovative filtration technologies to reduce contamination.
• Efforts to improve monitoring systems for microplastics along the Danube River Basin.
• Increased collaboration between various microplastic research projects for a more unified approach in tackling this issue in the Danube River Basin. 

Additionally, the ICPDR's work on ongoing initiatives like the Aquatic Plastics Research Program and the Secretariat's involvement in the Long Night of Research have provided valuable insights into plastic pollution control. 

The ICPDR is an observer to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) and continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring coordinated actions among all member states. 

Impacts on Human Health and Policy Making
Participants discussed the potential risks microplastics pose to human health, emphasizing the need for continued research and evidence-based policymaking. While studies are still inconclusive regarding the full impact of microplastics on human health, there was consensus that reducing their presence in drinking water should be a top priority.

Urgent action is essential in order to mitigate potential health risks, especially as microplastics become more pervasive in both environmental and human systems. This calls for stronger cross-sector collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and public health experts. In fact, the conference even looked at ways to engage more everyday people in monitoring efforts and research, further emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing this issue.  

Moving Forward: Next Steps
With the success of the conference, the ICPDR and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening water quality monitoring programs and ensuring that the Danube River remains a safe and clean water source for the millions of people who rely on it.

For more information about various projects and connected to the Danube water quality, as well as the ICPDR’s ongoing efforts to protect the Danube from microplastic pollution, visit the EUSDR's Danube Water Quality website.