Overall Project: plastic pollution

During the last decades, the global growth in the use of plastics of different characteristics has been evident. Considering its slow biodegradability, its fleeting use and its rapid disposal, we find ourselves facing a complex problem that directly impacts our ecosystems, especially aquatic ones.

In the research "Production, use and destination of all plastics ever manufactured" (Geyer et al 2017), the authors determined that up to the year 2017, 8.300 million metric tons (Mt) of virgin plastics were produced. In turn, they estimated that by 2015, 6.300 Mt of plastic waste was generated, of which only 9% was recycled, while 12% was incinerated and the remaining 79% accumulated in landfills or in the natural environment. If current production and waste management trends continue, around 12.000 Mt of plastic waste will be in landfills or in the natural environment by 2050.

Meanwhile, in Argentina the situation is even more worrisome. According to the Argentine Chamber of the Plastic Industry, per capita plastic consumption has increased continuously in recent decades, going from 11.5 kg/year in 1990 to 43.6 kg/year in 2013. Regarding recycling, according to the General Report on the environment 2017 of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Nation, of the 6.5 million tons of garbage generated per year in Argentina, only 12% is recycled, with plastics being the least recycled material.

We have produced, consumed and generated waste without delving into what its consequences would be. We are currently facing a situation in which this material has become ubiquitous, generating profound impacts on ecosystems.

Objectives:

It is intended to reveal the situation in which we find ourselves with respect to plastic pollution, understand the impacts on local ecosystems, study the origins of these pollutants and reflect on possible solutions.

Related

Director: Clara Mitchell

Members: Vladimir Moskat and Andres Sciara.

Spaces/Institutions/Academic Units: Faculty of Exact Sciences, Engineering and Surveying (UNR). Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UNR).

Contact

Claramitchelling@gmail.com