Scientists are stunned by the finding of “plastic rocks” on a remote volcanic island off the coast of Brazil – a disturbing indication of how deeply plastic pollution has into Earth’s geological processes.
The “plastiglomerates” — a molten combination of silt and debris glued together by melted plastic — were discovered in a particularly perilous location. These plastic rocks were discovered in a permanently protected location in Brazil where green turtles lay their eggs.
The island in question, Trindade Island, is a vital conservation area for endangered green turtles, which use the isolated ocean as a breeding site. The only individuals permitted on the island, with the exception of scientists, are Brazilian Navy personnel , who patrol the area in an effort to protect the turtles.
Plastic found in the odd pebbles was linked back to fishing nets, one of the most known — and damaging — environmental polluters. Net litter is ubiquitous on the beaches of the secluded island.
The nets are pulled by the sea currents and collect on the beach. When the temperature rises, the plastic melts and becomes imbedded in the natural material of the beach.
It’s a troubling discovery, and it surely indicates that the Anthropocene — a period in Earth’s history marked by the influence of human civilization on the atmosphere, temperature, and other geological functions — is well begun.
Pollution, waste in the water, and incorrectly disposed plastic in the oceans are creating geological material that will be recorded in the earth’s geological records.
Reference- Reuters, National Geographic, One World website, Futurism