It’s shocking to think that even some of the remotest locations on Earth are feeling the impact of plastic waste. A new research project has made a groundbreaking discovery: microplastics have been found in the air above the Beagle Channel in South America.
What’s going on?
A team comprised of various Argentine researchers dedicated a year-and-a-half to collecting air samples on Isla Redonda, a small island within Tierra del Fuego National Park. This location was strategically picked as it has no local pollution sources, making it an ideal spot to determine if plastic particles are arriving from distant areas.
The results were alarming. The researchers identified a total of 77 plastic particles, with over 80% being thin fibers made from polyamide, polyester, polyethylene, and semi-synthetic cotton. They also detected industrial dyes such as indigo, typically utilized in the textile industry.
These fibers varied in length from 100 to 3,000 micrometers, resembling findings in other secluded places worldwide. Since the island is largely untouched by industrial activities, the team is convinced that the particles traveled significant distances on air currents, likely moving from populated areas in South America.
Why is this finding alarming?
Microplastics are not just drifting aimlessly; they invariably settle somewhere. And increasingly, that “somewhere” is becoming our food sources, bodies, and water supplies.
This year, research showed that plant leaves can soak up airborne microplastics through tiny pores, which might end up in our food chain, affecting crops, livestock feed, and the dishes we consume. This revelation supports earlier studies indicating that the prevalence of airborne plastics is more widespread than we initially believed.
A recent report by the University of Manchester pointed out the uncertainty around the quantity of plastic particles floating in the atmosphere, with estimates ranging drastically from 800 to 9 million metric tons.
What steps are being taken?
Experts suggest that the first move should be to boost monitoring efforts in remote areas to map how far plastic pollution travels. There are also innovative approaches in the works intended at curbing the amount of plastic in the atmosphere.
In Finland, scientists have recently come up with a method to convert air pollution into useful plastic by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and transforming it into building blocks for common materials. If this process can be scaled up, it could significantly clean the air and reduce reliance on oil-based plastics.
Back at home, making small changes can help lower demand for single-use plastics. Options like switching disposable products for reusable ones, choosing items with less packaging, and ensuring proper recycling can all contribute to tackling this pressing issue.
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Microplastics Found Even in Remote Regions: A Startling Discovery in the Beagle Channel. First appeared on The Cool Down.
