The FS ALKOR, operated by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, took several of us on board. The aim was to test setups and equipment for sampling micro- and nanoplastic particles from the Western Baltic Sea.
In bright sunshine at 8 o’clock, the ship first took the course to Bocknis Eck to recover a sediment trap that had been out there for six months, collecting particles from the water at 9m depth. Other sampling techniques, like a net on a small catamaran, were set up and launched on board. The day was hectic for the researchers and the crew. Scientists prepared chemical analyses, analysed the first samples, and tested detectors, including a handheld Raman spectrometer and a multispectral camera from our partner Newtec. Another experiment involved pumping ocean water through fine filters to analyse the filters afterwards.
The journey continued towards Sønderborg, where the Alkor stopped and exchanged some information with the partners at SDU Mads Clausen Institute. It was here that TV2 SYD recorded some interviews.
We are thrilled to announce that we are in the final stages of preparing some engaging podcasts and a video, which will soon be launched on our LinkedIn page. Stay tuned for more updates!
We sincerely appreciate GEOMAR’s partnership in the PlastTrack project and the opportunity to be on board the research vessel. We extend our gratitude to all our dedicated partners who joined: Anja Engel, Lisa Roscher, Stefan Dittmar, Sandra Golde,Bjarke Jørgensen, Danial Kasami,, Jacek Fiutowski, Till Leissner and the exceptional crew of the Alkor, whose contributions are integral to our progress!