DATABASE

The NETmicroplastic database was developed to show the current state of affairs in the thematic field of microplastics in soil. Our desktop research focused on identifying Austrian and European projects, strategies, policies, and initiatives that address microplastic in soil.

The search strategy was based on searching larger and openly accessible EU (i.e., CORDIS) and national project databases and used the search strings plastic*/microplastic*/nanoplastic* AND agriculture/soil. Relevance of the obtained results was assessed through screening of abstracts and (if available) project websites. Only projects addressing microplastic in soil systems and/or relevant analytical methods were included in the database.

The same criteria were applied for the selection of relevant strategies, policies, and initiatives. However, in this case, our search strategy involved non-targeted internet searches with additional inputs coming from the NETmicroplastics core network partners. Strategies and policies represent government-driven efforts, whereas initiatives represent public-driven efforts to address the issue of microplastic in soil.

The NETmicroplastic database has been set up as a „living“ resource that is open to continuous extension. Please contact us with suggestions for further relevant entries.