Abu Dhabi assesses microplastic levels in marine environment

Authorities in Abu Dhabi are taking measures to assess microplastic levels in the marine environment.

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) have teamed up for a major study to understand and reduce the impact of microplastic pollution.

Marine sediment, water and biota samples will be collected from key locations across the emirate, which will then go through rigorous laboratory testing and analysis.

The partnership combines EAD's scientific expertise and research capabilities with QCC's state-of-the-art laboratory techniques and analysis proficiency.

The survey aboard the marine research vessel 'Jaywun' will provide insight into and mitigate accumulation of microplastics in Abu Dhabi waters.

"Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can persist in the environment for a long time. They pose a significant threat to ecosystems as they can be ingested by marine and terrestrial organisms, leading to potential harm to wildlife and ecosystem disruption," said Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at EAD.

"This partnership between EAD and QCC represents a significant step forward in addressing this pressing issue in Abu Dhabi. By combining expertise, the two entities aim to develop a tangible impact on the preservation and protection of the environment," he added.

Abdalla Al Muaini, Executive Director of Central Testing Laboratory (CTL) at QCC said: "Through this partnership CTL will be utilising its advanced techniques and its technical resources to identify and quantify these minuscule plastic particles, discerning their origins and distribution within marine environments."

.@EADTweets has partnered with @QCCAbuDhabi to assess microplastic levels in Abu Dhabi’s marine environment, surveyed by marine research vessel Jaywun, to provide insight into, and mitigate accumulation of, microplastics in Abu Dhabi waters. pic.twitter.com/GfJe7Tvn7f

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 30, 2024