Tropibio Team members are participants in a newly funded project to Combat Marine Plastic Pollution in Brazil
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Richard Ladle and Ana Malhado are invited team members in the newly funded project "Plastic oceans: Monitoring the plastic production chain integrating disposal and recycling strategies to tackle pollution". The project is funded by the Chamada CNPq/MCTI-FNDCT CT-Petro, aimed at combating pollution caused by plastics and their byproducts in marine and coastal environments.
With the world witnessing an unprecedented production of plastic objects, exceeding 500 million tons annually according to Greenpeace, there is an urgent need to address the challenges associated with plastic waste. Single-use plastics, in particular, pose a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems, leading to widespread pollution.
The research project, led by Dr. Jessé Marques Pavão (CESMAC/Brazil), aims to monitor the entire plastic production chain, focusing on disposal and recycling strategies to combat pollution. Over a period of 36 months, the project will be divided into three stages, utilizing advanced methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. The final stage will focus on implementing circular economy methodologies to support the economic development of vulnerable coastal communities.
The anticipated outcomes of this project are twofold. Firstly, a comprehensive analysis of the plastic production chain will be conducted, covering aspects such as collection, production, and disposal. Scientific articles will be published, presenting data on the impact of plastics on marine biota, along with effective strategies to combat pollution, ensuring the resilience of coastal communities. Secondly, the project will provide new knowledge and opportunities for communities, enabling them to generate income through the sale of tangible products created using shredded plastic collected from oceans.
Recognizing the complexity and scale of the project, a multidisciplinary team has been assembled. Notably, the inclusion of Richard Ladle and Ana Malhado brings expertise in their respective fields and strengthens the project's capacity to address plastic pollution comprehensively. The project has 60 participants and involves collaboration between research institutions from six states in Brazil and two countries, Portugal and Australia.
By monitoring the plastic production chain and integrating disposal and recycling strategies, the project aims to make significant strides in combatting marine plastic pollution. This project represents a crucial step towards safeguarding our oceans and preserving marine ecosystems for generations to come.