From Daily Life to Soil: Tackling Microplastic Pathways
From Daily Life to Soil: Tackling Microplastic Pathways
Our Challenge
Microplastics from everyday sources, such as synthetic clothes, tire wear, agricultural plastics, contaminated compost or sludge, and urban dust, can reach soils through different pathways, contributing to widespread environmental contamination. Soils provide essential Soil Services, supporting food production, water and nutrient cycles, biodiversity, carbon storage, and cultural, recreational and urban spaces. Together with students across Europe, you will investigate one microplastic pathway to soil, identify key stakeholders and design a feasible solution, guided by scientific experts, stakeholder advice and the CURIOSOIL soil literacy approach.
The Team
Teachers
These are the teachers you'll work with on the challenge.
Learners
- Study period
- 26 October – 18 December 2026
- Study format
- Online
- Application period
- 8 October – 19 October 2026
- Credits
- 2 ECTS
- Hosting university
- University of Aveiro
- Learner type
- Students
- EQF Level
Master Level
Information
Value and progress
Analyse microplastic pathways into soils
Use scientific evidence, case-study material and visual data to connect daily-life microplastic sources with transport pathways, soil receptors and potential soil-health implications.
ESCO SKILLS
Work with stakeholder perspectives and shared responsibility
Prepare questions for stakeholders, interpret different responsibilities and constraints, and integrate expert advice into the development of a realistic solution for a case-study.
ESCO SKILLS
Design Soil Solutions for microplastic contamination
Develop a feasible solution concept that addresses one selected source-to-soil pathway and is clearly linked to prevention, mitigation, restoration, or communication and awareness-raising.
ESCO SKILLS
Communicate evidence-based soil action
Translate the selected pathway, stakeholder advice and proposed solution into a clear pitch, short brief or digital communication product suitable for non-specialist audiences.
ESCO SKILLS
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