Global scientists are setting out on a new investigation to measure the amount of microplastics in the Antarctic, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s NUTEC Plastics Initiative revealed over the weekend.
By using nuclear applications on penguin droppings and seabed sediment, scientists can purportedly determine the source of found microplastics and create a plan on how to prevent their spread to the Antarctic in the first place.
The samples will be analyzed between Argentina’s Carlini Base in the Antarctic and the IAEA’s Monaco research center.
“The health of Antarctica is essential for the health of the planet,” said IAEA General Director Rafael Grossi. “Microplastics are affecting the environment and this place is no exception.”
