Peruvians investigate microplastics on expedition to Antarctica

ANTAR XXVII is a scientific expedition composed of personnel from the Armed Forces, the Navy and 97 researchers, both Peruvian and foreign, who are developing 33 scientific projects at the Peruvian base in Antarctica called «Machu Picchu.» Peru began work on studies in Antarctica around 1980 when he joined the Antarctic Treaty. This document seeks commitment to the preservation of your region through research.

Peru is one of the most vulnerable countries to suffer the repercussions of climate change. Because of this, it is necessary to conduct research in places where the effects are already being observed to know what actions we should take and how to prepare for a future that could be catastrophic. Changes of this kind on the planet are cyclic, we can still regenerate it by studying the consequences. One of the projects is in charge of an Environmental Engineering degree from the San Ignacio de Loyola University (USIL), which has as an initiative to develop a study on the presence of microplastics in the area near the Admiralty Bay. So far it has been possible to collect biological samples of these wastes in penguins and seals.

They have also joined the team of scientists, 20 researchers from the Institute of the Sea of ​​Peru (Imarpe), who will investigate through samples of the Antarctic krill, the indicators it generates in relation to the impact of climate change with respect to its continent. They will address the spaces of the Bransfield Strait, Elephant Island, Mackellar Cove and Admiralty Bay. This institute has the most important information regarding the antarctic maritime science of the last 27 years in the South American region, so its discoveries will be a great contribution both for the treaty with the Antarctic region and for the world scientific community.

Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap