SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8th May. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Initial findings from the research conducted by the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, in collaboration with Fundación Cepsa, and carried out by the Applied Analytical Chemistry research group (AChem) at the University of La Laguna, have revealed the presence of microscopic plastic particles in Anaga Rural Park. These particles mainly consist of fragments, films, foams, and fibers.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez stated in a release that “microplastics are pollutants that are present in the air, water, and soil. Due to their small size, they accumulate and contaminate natural environments, such as Anaga Rural Park, which is a biodiversity gem in need of protection.”
“The detection of microplastics in this unique biodiversity hotspot is concerning, highlighting the necessity for increased awareness to prevent the exacerbation of this issue,” he added.
Carlos Tarife, Councilor for Environmental Sustainability and Vice President of Santa Cruz Sostenible Foundation, emphasized that “the presence of microplastics in various locations within the Anaga Massif underscores the ongoing need to work towards reducing pollution and educating the public on the importance of environmental conservation.”
He further stressed the importance of “making every effort to safeguard and preserve this natural treasure, which holds immeasurable value.”
Belén Machado, head of Fundación Cepsa in the Canary Islands, noted that “given that biodiversity is a fundamental focus of Fundación Cepsa, studies like this, outlining the presence of plastic particles in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are essential for conservation purposes.”
She warned that “these particles can potentially enter the food chain, posing risks to human health. Therefore, understanding their prevalence is crucial in raising awareness and promoting behavioural changes.”
The ongoing project, spearheaded by University of La Laguna professors Javier Hernández Borges and Francisco Javier Díaz Peña, has revealed the presence of microplastics in areas with natural vegetation, agricultural zones, and regions closely linked to urban centres.
COLLECTION POINTS
At each of the 32 sampling points, three distinct sampling techniques were employed within a defined study area of 0.5 x 0.5 metres. This involved gathering leaf litter, the top two centimetres of soil, and the upper 5 centimetres using metal cylinders.
Additionally, water samples were collected from various galleries and wells situated within the Biosphere Reserve boundaries to assess potential microplastic transfer from surface soil layers to aquifers.
These pollutants may originate from dry or wet deposition from distant regions carried by air currents, or from the breakdown of litter left by park visitors.
However, conclusive findings cannot be drawn from the initial dataset as further sample processing is required, with results expected by July, as highlighted by the City Council.
