The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, in English IAEA), in cooperation with Argentina, on Saturday, January 6, first scientific expedition to investigate its existence microplastics in Antarctica as part of efforts to combat this growing environmental problem even in the most remote parts of the planet.
The research team, consisting of two scientists, will evaluate the impact of microplastics (plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters in diameter) and investigate their effects for a month. Presence and distribution in seawater, lakes, sediments, sand, wastewater and animals in the Antarctic ecosystem Near the Argentinian scientific research station Carlini.
The mission was developed through the IAEA NUTEC Plastics (Nuclear Technology to Control Plastic Pollution) initiative, created in 2010. Fight plastic pollution with nuclear technologies.
Through a network of NUTEC plastic monitoring laboratories, nuclear and isotopic techniques are used to generate data on the distribution of marine microplastics through sampling and analysis of their prevalence in the environment. This very precise data represents important information for development. plastic reduction and elimination measures and policies.
The first evidence of microplastics in fast ice off the Antarctic coast dates back to 2009, when researchers from the University of Tasmania sampled sea ice in East Antarctica. The results of this research were published in ‘Science Direct’.
However, no information is yet available about where and where he is. How many microplastics reach Antarctica and how many are absorbed by living organisms?. There is also very little data on the subject. microplastic types Those that come through ocean currents, atmospheric deposition, and the presence of humans.
A devastating effect
At the mission launch event held last Friday at the Marambio Antarctic Base in Argentina, the IAEA’s director general said, Rafael Mariano GrossiHe pointed out that the discovery of microplastics in the Antarctic environment provides evidence of the impact of this pollutant.
“Microplastics are a global problemBut the international community still lacks the scientific data necessary to make informed decisions. This is the goal of Plasticos NUTEC: By understanding the origin, movement and impact of plastic, we can make informed decisions about it. how can i solve the problem“Grossi stated.
The presence of microplastics can contribute to: Accelerate ice loss in Antarctica by reducing the reflectance of ice, altering surface roughness, promoting microbial activity, acting as a thermal insulator, and contributing to mechanical weakening of the ice structure.
The presence of microplastics combined with climate change, atmospheric conditions and ocean impacts,”The devastating impact of melting polar ice in Antarctica. Also, the entry Microplastics in the food chain The extinction of Antarctic organisms negatively affects the health of Antarctic life and its resilience to climate change.
In a decision adopted in March 2022, United Nations Member States committed to begin negotiations. New global agreement to ban plastic pollutionincluding in the marine environment, with the goal of official adoption by 2025.
The IAEA’s growing network of NUTEC laboratories to monitor marine microplastic pollution, including in polar regions. critical role by providing the scientific evidence necessary to support informed decision-making during treaty negotiations and contribute to the effective implementation of the treaty. especially in the marine environment.
environmental challenges
“As a true wilderness on Earth, the well-being of Antarctica is vital to the overall health of the planet. Expanding our presence around the world, we bring our expertise to Antarctica, where our efforts can achieve success. a much needed change“Grossi emphasized.
IAEA experts will monitor the presence of microplastics in the environment at 22 facilities in different environments. Seawater samples will be taken from twelve sites, sediments from four, lakes from three and beaches from the other three. The team will also monitor the situation presence of microplastics in organisms I collect oysters, sea snails and penguin feces.
The study is carried out in collaboration with the Argentine Antarctic Institute (IAA), which is responsible for consulting, addressing and execution. scientific and technical research and studies The National Antarctic Directorate (ADN), which is responsible for guiding, directing and controlling scientific and technical activities in Antarctica and on that continent.
The samples will be prepared and sent to the IAEA Marine Environmental Laboratories in Monaco for analysis. Vibrational spectroscopy will be used to count the number of plastic microparticles and characterize the polymer type to potentially assess the source of microplastic contamination.
In addition to a series of training sessions to strengthen research capabilities in microplastics, the samples will also be sent to the IAA in Buenos Aires, where a state-of-the-art microscope and spectrometer have been installed.
Since its establishment in 1961, the IAEA Environmental Laboratories in Monaco have provided IAEA Member States with the tools and information necessary to understand and solve pressing environmental problems. environmental challenges at sea. The IAEA hosts the only marine environmental laboratory in the United Nations system.
Video about the Antarctic mission: https://iaea.wistia.com/medias/2uycwhml0r
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Contact address of the environmental department:[email protected]