Researcher Fernanda Avelar Santos holds “plastic rocks” discovered on Trindade Island within the state of Espirito Santo, on the laboratory of the Federal University of Parana, in Curitiba state of Parana, Brazil March 7, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
The geology of Brazil’s volcanic Trindade Island has fascinated scientists for years, however the discovery of rocks created from plastic particles on this remote turtle refuge is sparking alarm.
Melted plastic has change into intertwined with rocks on the island, positioned 1,140 km (708 miles) from the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, which researchers say is proof of people’ rising affect over the earth’s geological cycles.
“This is new and terrifying at the same time, because pollution has reached geology,” stated Fernanda Avelar Santos, a geologist on the Federal University of Parana.
Santos and her workforce ran chemical assessments to find out what sort of plastics are within the rocks referred to as “plastiglomerates” as a result of they’re product of a mix of sedimentary granules and different particles held collectively by plastic.
“We identified (the pollution) mainly comes from fishing nets, which is very common debris on Trinidade Island’s beaches,” Santos stated. “The (nets) are dragged by the marine currents and accumulate on the beach. When the temperature rises, this plastic melts and becomes embedded with the beach’s natural material.”
Trindade Island is among the world’s most essential conservation spots for inexperienced turtles, or Chelonia mydas, with 1000’s arriving every year to put their eggs. The solely human inhabitants on Trindade are members of the Brazilian navy, which maintains a base on the island and protects the nesting turtles.
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“The place where we found these samples (of plastic) is a permanently preserved area in Brazil, near the place green turtles lay their eggs,” Santos stated.
The discovery stirs questions on people’ legacy on the earth, says Santos.
“We talk so much about the Anthropocene, and this is it,” Santos stated, referring to a proposed geological epoch outlined by people’ impression on the planet’s geology and ecosystems.
