The Rotary Clubs from the wider Split area in Croatia support the Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries (IOR) to equip IOR with devices for examination and determination of exact degree and type of microplastics pollution pollution in the Adriatic Sea. The Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries is the first national scientific institution dedicated to marine research.
Danger of microplastics in marine world
Microplastics represent an exceptional and far-reaching threat for the environment and living beings. It is estimated that about 80% of total waste on the Mediterranean turns into microplastics, which incurs by decomposition and shredding of plastic waste that is already in the sea. Particles of microplastics also can be pollution carriers like heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POP), such as pesticides and different industrial chemicals, and all because pollutants have a high level of absorption. When they get into the environment or gastrointestinal system of animals that are fed with heavy metals, POPs and other additives from plastic production, particles can penetrate into organic tissues.
Searching for the source of the pollution
When we know which polymer is a part of the extracted particle, it can be concluded what kind of object is the examined particle made of, and by that the potential source of pollution can be directly determined.
Current methods of data collection and processing of microplastic samples that are applied in Croatian side of the Adriatic Sea are insufficient for correct evaluation of microplastics in maritime environment. In order to determine the origin of microplastics, it is essential to make qualitative analysis of counted particles of microplastics.
FTIR (Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy) is a technique widely accepted for qualitative analysis of microplastics. Once microplastics bigger than 500 µm are isolated/prepared, an FTIR device with ATR addition is used for its analysis, which is the ideal technique for quick identification of plastic by using the existing “library“ of plastic manufacturers or other commercially available “libraries“.
Project with new techniques
With consideration that microplastics go through a process of shredding by time, particles become smaller, so FTIR technique will not be sufficient for determination. In order to increase the accuracy of identification of microplastics for samples that are smaller then 100 µm, an IR and/or Raman microscope is used. The most accurate analysis of microplastics is a combination of both techniques that complement each other. The research will be carried out on samples collected on coastal stations near biggest cities and in open sea.
Application of research results on microplastics is going to provide further scientific research that will be aimed on ecology and human health. Through organized education on more levels (that includes wider public) awareness about microplastics in maritine environment will be raised. By using scientifically based results of research it will give us a possibility of wider (including legislative) action on protection of nature and human health as well as on improving economic sector related to the sea and maritime environment.
Budget required for the Global Grant is 225 K Euro and it includes delivery of devices, validation and education of staff.
Contacts: Marija Bulič, RC Split Novi, and Željka Duplančić Šundov, RC Kastela, Croatia, D1913, Email: zeljkaduplancic@yahoo.com
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