Plastics in Freshwater: A New Challenge for the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR)?

In the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR), the nine states in the river basin and the European Commission cooperate in order to harmonise the many interests of use and protection in the Rhine area. Plastics in the Rhine is a new topic for the commission, and there is a regular information exchange since 2013 about research projects, workshops, conferences and other initiatives in the countries in the Rhine catchment. The countries are already active, and there are new developments and results on short intervals. The available studies so far show variable concentrations of plastics, and it is difficult to rely on absolute numbers. Nevertheless, the studies show that plastics are of ubiquitous occurrence. Based on the idea of prevention, it is necessary to reduce inputs of plastics into the environment, including rivers. Possible actions for the ICPR are already discussed but postponed until more information and suitable techniques are available. Besides, the information exchange in the ICPR, between the countries in the Rhine catchment and with the intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the ICPR, will continue.