Microplastics represent an increasingly significant environmental problem, with agricultural soils considered important sinks. The contribution of irrigation water as a potential pathway for their release has so far been insufficiently investigated, particularly in Southeast Europe. No systematic field data exists for Kosovo. This project aims to close this research gap.
The aim of this project is to investigate whether and to what extent irrigation water contributes to microplastic pollution in agricultural soils in Kosovo. In the first phase of the project, soil and water samples were taken in the Radoniqi Lake area (Rahovec municipality) to test the applied methodology and assess its analytical feasibility. The soil samples were analyzed using sieving and 3D laser scanning microscopy (3D-LSM). Due to the significant time required for the soil analyses, it was decided to focus the subsequent project phase on the investigation of irrigation water.
In the next project phase, water samples in Kosovo will be collected in large volumes using a cascade filter system and then analyzed in detail. The planned work steps include:
Survey of irrigation practices through interviews with farmers to identify relevant water sources and potential sources of pollution.
Large-volume sampling of irrigation water using a filter cascade system in cooperation with the Technology Center for Water (TZW), Germany.
Laboratory analysis of the water samples using 3D laser scanning microscopy and morphological characterization of the microplastic particles.
Data analysis and scientific evaluation to assess irrigation water as a pathway for microplastics entering agricultural systems in Kosovo.
The aim is to create a reliable data base for future monitoring and assessment approaches to microplastic pollution in agricultural irrigation systems in Kosovo.