Brazil discovered formed stones from plastic garbage
2023.03.15 20:31
Brazil discovered formed stones from plastic garbage
By Tiffany Smith
Budrigannews.com – Scientists have long been fascinated by the geology of Brazil’s Trindade Island, a volcanic island, but the discovery of rocks made from plastic debris in this far-off turtle refuge is raising concerns.
On the island, which is 1,140 kilometers (708 miles) from the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, melted plastic has become entangled with rocks. This, according to researchers, is evidence of humans’ growing influence over the earth’s geological cycles.
Fernanda Avelar Santos, a geologist at the Federal University of Parana, described the situation as “new and terrifying at the same time” due to the fact that pollution has penetrated the geology.
Chemical tests were carried out by Santos and her team to determine the kind of plastics that are present in the rocks, which are referred to as “plastiglomerates” because they are composed of a mixture of sedimentary granules and other debris held together by plastic.
Santos stated, “We identified (the pollution) mostly comes from fishing nets, which are very common debris on the beaches of Trinidade Island.” The (nets) are carried by the marine currents to the beach where they accumulate. This plastic melts and is embedded in the beach’s natural material as the temperature rises.”
Green turtles—also known as Chelonia mydas—come to Trindade Island annually to lay their eggs, making it one of the most important conservation areas in the world. The Brazilian navy, which has a base on Trindade and protects the nesting turtles, is the only human population on the island.
Santos stated, “The location where we found these samples (of plastic) is a permanently preserved area in Brazil, near the place where green turtles lay their eggs.”
According to Santos, the discovery raises concerns regarding human legacy on Earth.
“We talk such a great amount about the Anthropocene, and this is all there is to it,” Santos expressed, alluding to a proposed land age characterized by people’s effect in the world’s geography and biological systems.
“Pollution, trash in the sea, and improperly disposed of plastic are becoming geological material… preserved in the earth’s geological records.”
