Call for Partners | PlastiSense: Integrated sensing and removal of micro- and nanoplastics for circular water systems
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is seeking partners to co-develop solutions on sensing and removal of micro- and nanoplastics in industrial water streams.
Partner up for impact
We are looking for
We are looking for industrial partners, such as those in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, water, or diagnostic technology sectors, who share our ambition to develop sustainable solutions for micro- and nanoplastics removal. We also welcome technology providers in the areas of sensing, biosensing, membrane, or separation technologies. This initiative aims to establish a public-private partnership, with partners contributing both financially and in-kind, to jointly advance innovations for cleaner, safer industrial water systems.
About the project
Micro- and nanoplastics, along with other emerging contaminants, are becoming a major environmental and regulatory concern. The revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (2025) calls on industries to prevent such pollutants at the source, particularly in non-domestic discharges. There is a pressing need for advanced separation technologies that are not only energy- and chemical-efficient, but also environmentally sustainable and scalable. Equally important is the ability to reliably detect and characterise these particles in complex water matrices, which is essential for effective monitoring, process control, and regulatory compliance.
Sensing and removal
To address these challenges, we aim to advance integrated solutions that combine sensing and removal of micro- and nanoplastics in industrial water streams. Our approach focuses on two areas to enable effective and sustainable water management:
- Developing biosensing strategies capable of rapid detection and characterisation of micro- and nanoplastics in complex water mixtures.
- Evaluating and optimising removal practices using membrane filtration and electrochemical processes, with a focus on treatment efficiency and minimising energy and chemical consumption.
Let's connect
For more information about the project or to collaborate, please contact our expert.
TM (Tania) Mubita Zambrano, PhD
WR Onderzoeker
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