IAEA launches first scientific research expedition in Antarctica

By Houmi Ahamed-Mikidache

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an international organization under the auspices of the United Nations, today launched in cooperation with Argentina its first scientific research expedition to Antarctica. This expedition aims to study the presence of microplastics in Antarctica. It is part of efforts to solve this growing environmental problem, even in the most remote regions of the planet according to observers.

Towards the impact assessment of microplastics

The President of Argentina, Javier Milei, and the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, joined the IAEA scientific team at the Argentine Antarctic bases of Marambio and Esperanza to mark the beginning of their mission. Defence Minister Luis Petri, Interior and Foreign Ministers Guillermo Francos and Diana Mondino were also in attendance. For the IAEA, a two-person research team will leave for a month to assess the impact of microplastics by studying its presence and distribution in seawater, lakes, sediments, sand, water and animal discharges from the Antarctic ecosystem near the Argentine Carlini scientific research station.

The NUTEC techniques

Specific techniques from the NUTEC plastic monitoring laboratory network will be used to produce data on the distribution of marine microplastics. By sampling and analysis of the prevalence of microplastics in the environment. To the IAEA, this specific science is important information for the development of plastic mitigation and disposal measures and policies. Also, the Nuclear technologies to control plastic pollution was built on the IAEA’s efforts to combat plastic pollution. Thus, through recycling using radiation technology and marine monitoring, it uses a technical system called isotope tracing techniques. As a result, It provides scientific evidence to characterize and assess marine pollution by microplastics. It also demonstrating the use of ionizing radiation in plastic recycling, turning plastic waste into reusable resources.

The International Treaty on Plastic Pollution

The IAEA recalls that the first evidence of microplastics – plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter- found in Antarctic fast ice dates back to 2009. It happened when researchers from the University of Tasmania sampled sea ice in East Antarctica. There is still almost no information available on the location and quantity of microplastics in the Antarctic.

Consequently, there is also very little data on the types of microplastics reaching this pristine area through ocean currents. It does not show atmospheric deposition and the presence of humans in Antarctica. As a reminder, in March 2022, with the resolution on the International Plastic Pollution Treaty, the United Nations Member States, committed to begin negotiations for a new global treaty.

It is accordingly on the prohibition of plastic pollution. It aims to be adopted by 2025. In fact, the IAEA’s NUTEC laboratory network for monitoring marine plastic (micro-) pollution will play a crucial role. It aims to provide essential scientific evidence to support an informed decision, the IAEA said. “We have brought our specialist expertise to Antarctica,” said Director General Grossi.

Since its inception in 1961, the IAEA Environment Laboratories in Monaco have provided IAEA Member States with the tools and knowledge. It helps to understand and address the pressing challenges of the marine environment. The IAEA hosts the only marine environment laboratory in the United Nations system.

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ERA ENVIRONNEMENT

Eraenvironnement.com est un site internet français fondé en 2013 par Houmikouloussoumi ( Houmi) Ahamed à Paris. Il diffuse des articles spécialisés autour du journalisme de solutions. Les mots Era et Environnement sont deux mots anglais et français. Il signifient ère( traduction du mot anglais era) et Environnement (mot français). Era Environnement représente une ambition globale d'impulser une nouvelle approche de l'éducation environnementale à travers le journalisme. Anciennement situé à Paris, Era Environnement était une association de loi 1901 créée en 2016. Elle a été dissoute en 2017. Le site internet publie régulièrement des analyses sur les actions de coopération sud-sud ainsi que les relations nord-sud. Il traite des informations sud-nord liées à l'environnement. Il traite du changement climatique et des questions de développement durable. Fin 2018, Houmi Ahamed s'installe aux Comores, dans l'Océan Indien. S'inscrivant dans sa démarche de journalisme de solutions et d'éducation environnementale, elle dirige en 2019 Era Environnement SARL, une entreprise créée en 2018 dans l'archipel des Comores. Era Environnement SARL mène au mois de novembre 2019 un projet significatif dans petit état insulaire, marquée par de nombreuses crises politiques. Cette initiative innovante vise à former dix jeunes femmes issues de zones rurales et côtières . Le cœur du projet est de mettre en lumière des solutions concrètes face au changement climatique en valorisant les savoirs traditionnels comoriens. Un accent particulier est mis alors sur le village natal des parents de Houmi Ahamed, soulignant l'importance d'une approche communautaire et enracinée dans la culture locale pour l'éducation environnementale. Ce projet se concrétise par la création d'une radio en ligne, radio Era Environnement. Avec le soutien de l'UNESCO, cette initiative illustre l'engagement d'Era Environnement pour des actions pratiques et basées sur l'implication des communautés dans la compréhension des enjeux environnementaux. Aujourd'hui, l'entreprise ERA ENVIRONNEMENT SARL n'existe plus aux Comores. Elle est en phase de restructuration en France. Son objectif actuel est de mettre en œuvre de nouveaux projets qui intègrent spécifiquement la jeunesse, soulignant ainsi davantage son engagement envers les générations futures et le développement durable.