Stefan Dittmar

Stefan Dittmar is a researcher at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel within the Marine Biogeochemistry division and Biological Oceanography unit. His work focuses on anthropogenic pollutants in aquatic environments, particularly micro- and nanoplastics, tire and road wear particles, and their transport dynamics.

Education

• BSc in Environmental Engineering, TU Berlin (2017)
• Fast-Track PhD qualification, TU Berlin/UWI (2018)
• PhD in Settling Velocities of Microplastics and Tire Particles, TU Berlin (2025)

His research centers on particle settling velocities, environmental sampling methodologies, and contaminant transport mechanisms. Current projects include PlastTrack, investigating microplastic behavior in marine systems. His experimental work combines laboratory simulations with field sampling to quantify particle dynamics across size ranges from 10–400 μm.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on microplastic characterization (60% of articles), particle transport modeling (30%), and water treatment applications (10%). Key trends include developing standardized measurement protocols and examining ecological impacts through trophic transfer studies.

Research Infrastructure

• PlastTrack project lead at GEOMAR
• Utilizes GEOMAR's Marine Biogeochemistry laboratories
• Collaborates with TU Berlin's water treatment research group