Researchers in Chile and Argentina study microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems

Scientific researchers in Chile and Argentina are conducting studies to map and monitor microplastic contamination in various aquatic environments.

In central Chile, a study led by Dr. Karina Soto Rivas at the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María focuses on estuarine ecosystems. The research investigates how coastal sandbars and saline intrusion influence the movement and accumulation of microplastics, particles smaller than five millimeters. Using field campaigns at the Maipo River mouth and advanced numerical modeling, the project aims to identify optimal monitoring points to improve environmental management of coastal ecosystems.

In Argentina, the MappA (Monitoring and Analysis of Plastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments) project is working to create a comprehensive national survey of microplastics in continental waters. Led by Dr. María Belén Alfonso, the initiative involves over 50 researchers using a unified protocol to ensure data comparability across the country. In the Northeast region (NEA), the HeCoB laboratory is conducting sampling in the provinces of Corrientes, Chaco, and Formosa, covering sites such as the Paraná River, Laguna Brava, and the Paraguay River.