A recent study by the University of La Laguna (ULL) has revealed that the microplastics found on the shores of Arico in Tenerife date back over ten years.
Professor Javier Hernández, an expert in Analytical Chemistry and the lead researcher of the project at the University of La Laguna’s Applied Analytical Chemistry (AChem) research group, highlighted that La Punta de Abona beach is classified as a high-risk area due to the significant accumulation of these materials.
The Arico City Council emphasised the threat posed by this situation to the ecosystem, impacting the sea, land, air, and wildlife. They stressed the importance of continuous monitoring to promptly address the issue and take necessary actions.
Javier Hernández noted that Arico serves as a key location for the deposition of these materials, with ocean currents depositing a substantial amount of decade-old microplastics that have been circulating in the sea.