In order to verify its presence and chemical composition Microplastics present in the water column Gerlach Fjord In the Antarctica Peninsulaa connection point Biodiversity and the world’s main freshwater reserve, the Presidency of the Republic and the Colombian Ocean Commission have approved an expedition that will take place between December 2023 and January 2024.
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The project seeks to understand and find solutions to microplastic pollution, which has become a pressing challenge around the world due to its impact on marine ecosystems and the food chain.
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A multidisciplinary group consisting of professionals from different universities and entities, incl Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, University of Antioquia, Cornell University, Institute of Marine and Coastal Research (INVIMAR), along with other institutions; Their role will not only provide human resources, but also the scientific equipment necessary to conduct the research.
For the third time, the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University is participating in this project. Microplastics exist, explains Andres Franco Herrera, professor of biological and environmental sciences at this institution Small plastic particles That comes from various sources, including consumer products and industrial waste, and can accumulate in them Marine organisms With its negative effects on their health and human health.
It can cause diseases such as: cancerand on very large datescales, generate even Genetic disorders. “Understanding this will help us provide a report that will allow us to mitigate these effects,” says the researcher.
The results of the preliminary study are expected to be released in the middle of next year. The information collected will be presented in scientific publications and shared with local and international organizations responsible for the conservation and responsible management of the environment. white continent.
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Currently, Universidade Jorge Tadeo Lozano, from its headquarters in Santa Martaimplements a four-year program on research related to microplastic pollution in water, sediment, and species consumed by humans, with contributions from Exact sciences.
“At Utadeo we reaffirm our commitment to scientific research and environmental preservation through this participation in this large-scale expedition. Andres Franco noted that the contribution of the Foundation and its team of researchers reinforces the importance of addressing global environmental challenges and working towards a more sustainable future.
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