As part of the Mission4Water project, Zero Waste Montenegro organized a workshop and matchmaking event on March 28 at the European House in Podgorica, with the goal of bringing together key stakeholders, companies, institutions, and government bodies to discuss the issue of water pollution. Participants and guests included representatives of government bodies, research institutions, universities, and wastewater treatment facilities. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, presenting research results, and discussing the challenges posed by microplastic pollution in waterways
Marko Nikolić, a representative of the Center for Ecotoxicological Research, presented their work within the AQUATICPLASTIC project, which is implemented through the Interreg Danube program. He presented two different methods used for testing and collecting water samples for microplastic analysis. The first method involves the use of a specialized net with a very fine mesh and filters to capture microplastics from the water. He explained the importance of collecting samples from specific parts of water bodies and from various depths to ensure representative results. The second method uses a specialized pump for water collection. Nikolić explained the collection process in detail, including recommended practices for handling and transporting samples to the laboratory while avoiding contamination. He also discussed the high-tech equipment used for analyzing microparticles, including the specialized microscopes required for their detection. His presentation also covered the EU legislative framework related to microplastic pollution and the importance of aligning research with regulatory standards.
Dijana Radović from the Maritime Faculty presented the JOINABEL project, implemented under the Interreg IPA Adrion program. She spoke about efforts to establish and promote a blue circular economy by addressing the problem of marine and riverine litter.
Researcher Neda Bošković, a double doctorate holder in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development, gave a detailed presentation on the problem of microplastics. She explained different types of plastics, how microplastics are formed, and the results of her research on the presence of microplastics in various water bodies across Montenegro.
Her research covered parts of the Bay of Kotor, including Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Tivat, as well as Budva, and major rivers such as the Morača, Zeta, Cijevna, Ribnica, Bojana, and Skadar Lake. She also presented findings on the presence of microplastics in the Tara River, which is under UNESCO protection.
In addition to water samples, Bošković’s study also analyzed the presence of microplastics in aquatic organisms. She shared data on microplastics found in certain types of fish and shellfish, highlighting the amounts found and the potential health risks that microplastic ingestion poses for humans. Her presentation included broader ecological and health consequences, including the impact of microplastics on human health, the main sources of pollution—such as washing machines, illegal landfills, and the fishing industry—as well as the connection between plastic production and climate change. She concluded by presenting findings on the current state of water pollution in Montenegro and offered key recommendations for mitigating the problem of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems
This workshop and matchmaking event further emphasized the importance of cooperation between researchers, institutions, and decision-makers in the fight against water pollution. Through the exchange of expert knowledge and scientific findings, participants contributed to a broader discussion on possible solutions for reducing microplastic pollution and strengthening environmental policies.
