The “Nutec Plastic” project was launched within the framework of the **Network of Marine-Coastal Stressors Research in Latin America and the Caribbean (REMARCO)** with the aim of monitoring **microplastic pollution** in Antarctica. Initiated during the Summer Antarctic Campaign (CAV) 23/24, the research focused on **analyzing seawater samples**.
However, due to the results obtained, **the focus was expanded to include sediment and atmosphere research**. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between the **Institute of Marine and Coastal Research, the Argentine Antarctic Institute** (IAA), and the **International Atomic Energy Organization** (IAEA).
The monitoring of the study is carried out aboard the Argentine Navy icebreaker “Almirante Irizar”, which **allows access to hard-to-reach regions**, such as the Belgrano II Joint Antarctic Base. During the journey, which includes the Rio de la Plata, the Argentine Sea, the Drake Passage, and several seas in Antarctica, **seawater samples will be taken every 100 miles and atmospheric samples of microplastics**.
In fact, samples will also be taken in the Yaganes and Namuncurá-Burdwood Bank Marine Protected Areas, places of great interest to scientists. **These samples will be analyzed in the ship’s laboratories**, which are equipped with **advanced technology**.
## **Microplastic Pollution, an Environmental Issue**
According to Emiliano Hines, a Biology graduate and doctoral fellow at CONICET, the icebreaker’s participation is essential as it facilitates access to remote areas and offers ideal conditions for scientific work. Additionally, the importance of the expedition lies in **the significant data on microplastic pollution**, which has become an increasing threat to human health.
Regarding the **main sources of microplastics in Antarctica**, three are identified: **tourism**, with about 130,000 people arriving on cruises during the last summer season; **pollution** originating from Antarctic bases, especially in the northern peninsula; and **fishing**, which often involves the degradation of plastics on the seabed, affecting marine fauna. The Antarctic Campaign seeks to understand and mitigate these sources of pollution, contributing to the monitoring and protection of the Antarctic ecosystem.
## **What are the Dangers of Microplastics for the Environment?**
Microplastics are **plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters**, resulting from the degradation of larger plastic objects. These originate from **poor plastic waste management**, ending up in landfills or the environment, contaminating the sea, soils, and freshwater bodies.
These microplastics can be **harmful to the environment and human health** for various reasons:
– **Soil and groundwater contamination:** Chlorinated plastic can release harmful chemicals into the soil, which can seep into groundwater and other ecosystems.
– **Harm to marine fauna:** Microplastics can be ingested by marine fauna, mistaking them for food. This can cause toxic and mechanical effects such as suffocation, reduced food intake, behavioral changes, and genetic alterations.
– **Harm to plants:** Microplastics can negatively affect germination, photosynthesis, and root development in plants.
– **Trofic chain contamination:** Microplastics accumulate along the trophic chain, as tissues contaminated with microplastics are consumed by other animals.
– **Exposure at home:** Microplastics can be released into food when heating food in plastic containers in the microwave. They can also be released when cleaning surfaces with abrasive cleaning products or due to the wear of plastic-coated furniture and objects.
To reduce the amount of microplastics, many countries are implementing policies to **combat pollution and reduce plastic consumption**.
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