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Water Sport Cleanups: engaging local communities in monitoring and addressing plastic pollution in the Danube River Basin

Updated: 6 days ago

In April, Pulsaqua proudly launched the first Water Sport Cleanup (WSCU) in Vienna in the Haslauer Traverse, National Park Donauauen, joining forces with BOKU University (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna) and a local scouting organisation. This collaborative initiative marked another step toward monitoring plastic pollution in the Danube River and its tributaries, while actively involving the local community.


Figure 1: Member of the scouting organisation canooing 

Image by Camille Janssen, PULSAQUA


What is a WSCU?

WSCUs are designed to combine environmental action with recreational water sports. Participants move through the water using kayaks, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), or rowing boats, navigating a selected stretch of the Danube or one of its tributaries. As they move in or around the water, they search for macroplastic hotspots; large, visible pieces of plastic waste polluting the river.

But the cleanup does not stop at the surface. Volunteers also monitor and document the types of waste they encounter and collect samples to analyse for microplastics using a trawl. This dual approach not only removes waste but also contributes to a growing body of data on the sources and types of plastic pollution in the region.


Figure 2: The microplastic trawl in and outside the water

Pictures by Camille Janssen, PULSAQUA


Figure 3: Grace Savilla, PULSAQUA, shares more about the elements included in the activity

Video by Grace Saville, PULSAQUA


The WSCU initiative goes beyond just cleaning up litter. By involving citizens directly in the effort, we collect data and hopefully foster a stronger connection to local waterways and empower communities to be stewards of their environment. The data gathered during these events will contribute to a better understanding marco- and micorplastic polution. This first pilot event was a promising start. With more WSCU events on the horizon, we look forward to expanding this initiative. Would you like to host a WSCU in your region in the Danube River Basin? Get in touch with us via camille@pulsaqua.com.



This article has been written by Camille Janssen, PULSAQUA.







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