Training Program on Microplastics in the Marine Environment – Microplastics and nanoplastics have rapidly become a global concern due to the escalating issue of plastic pollution, with an estimated 51 trillion microplastic particles present in the world’s oceans (UN News, n.d.). These minute plastic particles, measuring ≤5 mm, are insoluble in aquatic environments and have adverse effects on both ecosystems and living organisms (Nguyen et al., 2019).
Andhra University Training Program on Microplastics in the Marine Environment:
Let’s discover Microplastics in the Marine Environment training program at Andhra University in the following paragraphs.
Microplastic Origins:
Microplastics are generated when environmental factors break down plastic materials in the environment. In some cases, small plastic particles are intentionally released into aquatic environments by certain industries through sewage outlets. These microplastics can be categorized as primary or secondary based on their source. Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured for various purposes, including cosmetics. Secondary microplastics result from the degradation of plastic waste due to environmental factors such as wave action, biofilm growth, solar exposure, mechanical shear, and thermal oxidation. Continuous degradation alters their properties, affecting color, surface morphology, size, crystallinity, and density.
Impact on the Environment:
Microplastics have been found not only in soil, water, and air sources but also in marine organisms, salt, beer, and even in bottled drinking water. Exposure to microplastics can lead to their accumulation in human tissues, potentially causing immune system disruptions and clinical complications. At lower trophic levels, organisms mistake microplastics for prey due to their small size. Consequently, microplastics enter the food web as they are transferred from algae to zooplankton and then to fish.
Chemical Effects:
Microplastics can release chemicals from plastic additives and monomers that have the potential to trigger endocrine disruption and carcinogenesis. They can also adhere to other particulate materials in their vicinity due to their increased surface-to-volume ratio and small size.
Effects on Sediments and Groundwater:
Microplastics accumulate in terrestrial and marine sediments, making them loose and prone to erosion. This affects sediment binding capacity and reduces groundwater recharge, hindering rainwater percolation.
Training Program Details:
This training program aims to educate participants about microplastics in aquatic environments, their effects on ecosystems, and management strategies. Practical sessions will cover the sampling and analysis of microplastics in water, sediment, and marine organisms (fish).
Scheduled Dates:
- Phase I: October 7th to 9th, 2023
- Phase II: November 10th to 12th, 2023
Venue:
Conference Hall, Department of Marine Living Resources, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India.
Eligibility:
This program is open to research scholars from all universities, young scientists from research organizations, teachers/lecturers from junior and degree colleges, and officers of municipalities/NGOs.
Application Deadlines:
- Phase I: October 2, 2023
- Phase II: October 30, 2023
Application Submission:
Please send filled applications along with a CV specifying the phase to:
Prof. P. Janakiram
Principal Investigator, EC’s-Eco Marine Project
Department of Marine Living Resources, Andhra University
Visakhapatnam – 530 003, Andhra Pradesh, India
Mobile: 94417 89835
Email: [email protected]
Join this to explore the pressing issue of microplastics, their environmental impact, and sustainable management in marine environments.
