A new scientific mission starts at key points in the Argentine Sea: they will study microplastics and environmental health

After the recognized and successful marine campaign by CONICET at the seabed in the Mar del Plata Canyon, a new scientific mission begins at key points in the Argentine Sea.

To carry out this project, the Oceanographic Motor Vessel Dr. Bernardo Houssay has already set sail, belonging to the Environmental Protection Directorate of the Argentine Naval Prefecture.

The mission, very important for conservation purposes, will focus on the study of microplastics and the survey of essential environmental parameters to assess the health of marine ecosystems.

New Scientific Mission in the Argentine Sea: Three Strategic Research Areas

The scientific campaign will cover three areas of high ecological value:

• Rincón Area, in Bahía Blanca (Buenos Aires).
• Golfo San Matías, in the province of Río Negro.
• Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve, in Chubut.

In each of these regions, the team will take water, sediment, and organism samples to detect and quantify microplastics, one of the most concerning pollutants for marine life.

Environmental Analysis and Bioindicators

In addition to the microplastics survey, the Houssay’s crew will measure pH, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen on-site using high-precision monitoring technology.

They will also analyze nutrients and chlorophyll, key bioindicators to assess the state of phytoplankton, the basis of the marine food chain.

Additionally, the team will take samples to identify possible harmful phytoplankton species, essential work to prevent negative impacts on biodiversity and fishing activities.

The samples will be subjected to analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques to determine the abundance and chemical structure of present microplastics.

Importance of Microplastics Study

The presence of microplastics in oceans constitutes a growing threat to fish, marine mammals, birds, and ultimately human health. This survey will measure the level of contamination in strategic areas of the Argentine Sea and develop more effective mitigation strategies.

The results will serve as a scientific basis to strengthen conservation policies, protect vulnerable species, and ensure the long-term health of the oceans.

Moreover, at each study station, they will take a water sample using niskin-type oceanographic bottles. This is to survey physicochemical parameters such as nutrients, chlorophyll (phytoplankton bioindicator), and colored dissolved organic matter.

The Impact of Microplastics on Nature

• In fauna: physical obstructions and release of toxins that can cause inflammation, reduced fertility, and developmental impacts.
• In flora: absorption of microplastics by roots, affecting growth, nutrient availability, and interaction with microorganisms.
• Global context: studies on microplastics have increased since 2013, but freshwater environments have received less attention compared to oceans.