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BOAXT™ in the EU Upstream Horizon Mission on the Danube River

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A Collaborative Effort to Advance Plastic and Microplastic Recovery 

During a recent technical visit to Novi Sad, a team from Le Quéré SAS met with Malcolm Watson, Aleksandra Tubić, and colleagues from the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection. Together, they conducted a detailed site survey to determine the most suitable locations for the upcoming plastic and microplastic collection operations utilizing BOAXT™ on the Danube River.

This initiative forms part of the Upstream Horizon Mission, a consortium project uniting European partners to address plastic pollution in major waterways. As part of this effort, Le Quéré SAS will deploy and test BOAXT™, an innovative semi-submersible modular system designed for the efficient collection of plastics and microplastics from river environments.

The microplastics monitoring and analysis component of the project is being conducted in partnership with Eden Tech (France), led by Abhilash Venkateshaiah. Eden Tech specializes in advanced microfluidic technologies for environmental and life sciences applications. Their system captures and analyzes particles smaller than 500 microns, while the BOAXT™ system targets larger fragments. Together, these technologies provide a comprehensive understanding of plastic and microplastic distribution in the river ecosystem- and a practical solution for their removal.

The operation is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and continue through the autumn season, during which BOAXT™ will operate alongside Think Ocean CIC’s complementary technology for collecting plastics from the riverbed. This marks the first combined river plastic recovery mission of its kind in history.

Project activities will culminate in a stakeholder event bringing together representatives from the University of Novi Sad, the Upstream Horizon consortium, local authorities, and educational institutions. The event will include outreach and awareness initiatives aimed at strengthening public understanding of riverine pollution challenges and fostering community engagement in Serbia.

The visit to Novi Sad represented a key step in advancing international cooperation toward cleaner waterways. By combining science, engineering, and education, the mission will help protect one of Europe’s most significant rivers, while driving forward collective awareness and innovation for sustainable environmental action.

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