EVENTS: Workshop and Matchmaking Event on Microplastic Pollution in Montenegro
As part of the Mission4Water project Zero Waste Montenegro organized a workshop and matchmaking event on March 28 in Podgorica European House with the goal of bringing together key stakeholders, companies, institutions, and government agencies to address the issue of water pollution. Participants included representatives of government bodies, research institutions, universities, and water treatment facilities. The event provided a platform for knowledge exchange, sharing research findings, and discussing the challenges posed by microplastic pollution in waterways.
Marko Nikolić, a representative of the Center for Ecotoxicological Research, presented their work within the AQUATICPLASTIC project under the Interreg Danube Region program. He introduced two different methods used for testing and collecting water samples for microplastic analysis. The first method involved the use of a specialized net with a very fine mesh and filters to capture microplastics from the water. He explained the importance of collecting samples from specific parts of the water body and at various depths to ensure representative results. The second method utilized a specialized water pump to extract samples. Nikolić provided a detailed explanation of the collection process, including best practices for handling and transporting samples to the laboratory while avoiding contamination. Additionally, he elaborated on the high-tech equipment used for analyzing microparticles, including the specific microscopes required for detection. His presentation also touched upon EU legislative frameworks related to microplastic pollution and the importance of aligning research with regulatory standards.
Dijana Radović from the Maritime Faculty presented the JOINABEL project, implemented under the Interreg IPA Adrion program. She discussed efforts to promote a blue circular economy by addressing the challenges of marine and freshwater litter.
Researcher Neda Bošković, a double doctorate holder in Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, provided an in-depth presentation on the issue of microplastics. She explained different types of plastics, how microplastics form, and the findings of her research on microplastic contamination in various water bodies across Montenegro. Her research covered different parts of Boka Bay, including Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Tivat, as well as Budva and major rivers such as Morača, Zeta, Cijevna, Ribnica, Bojana, and Skadar Lake. She also presented findings on microplastics detected in the Tara River, which is under UNESCO protection.
In addition to water samples, Bošković’s research also analyzed microplastic contamination in aquatic organisms. She shared data on the presence of microplastics in specific types of fish and seashells, highlighting the levels found within them and the potential risks associated with microplastic ingestion in marine life. Her presentation covered the broader environmental and health implications, including the impact of microplastics on human health, the primary sources of pollution—such as washing machines, illegal landfills, and the fishing industry—as well as the connection between plastic production and climate change. She also offered conclusions on the current state of water pollution in Montenegro and provided key recommendations on mitigating microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
This workshop reinforced the importance of collaboration between researchers, institutions, and policymakers in tackling water pollution. By sharing expertise and scientific findings, participants contributed to a broader discussion on effective solutions for reducing microplastic contamination and strengthening environmental policies.
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