"Environment Agency" – Abu Dhabi is conducting an assessment of levels "Plastic particles" In the marine environment
ABU DHABI, 30 April / WAM / The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council announced their partnership to confront the global challenge posed by pollution caused by plastic materials and to identify the extent of the impact of microplastic particles on the marine environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, through conducting a study considered… The first of its kind in the emirate to identify its levels and reduce the risks that these particles may cause to marine environmental systems.
This cooperation, which began in 2022 and will continue until 2025, combines the scientific expertise and scientific research capabilities of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, in the field of the marine environment with modern laboratory techniques, and the efficiency of laboratory analysis provided by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, with the aim of conducting a comprehensive evaluation. Microplastic levels provide an accurate picture of the health of our marine environment.
The initial environmental survey was conducted in 2022 by the Authority’s team on board the marine research ship “Jiyun,” which was developed by the Authority and is considered the most advanced and advanced in the Middle East.
One hundred samples of seawater were collected during a research mission that included the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Gulf and the waters of Abu Dhabi.
Sediment samples were also collected from the Abu Dhabi coast and analyzed by the Coordination and Conformity Committee, where the results provided a documented picture of the extent of the problem.
Engineer Faisal Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “Microplastic particles are small plastic particles that can remain in the environment for a long time and pose a major threat to ecosystems. They can be ingested by marine organisms, which harms wildlife and negatively affects the ecosystem. This partnership between the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Center is an important step forward in addressing this urgent issue in Abu Dhabi, and by combining expertise, the two parties aim to make a tangible positive impact in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity preservation.”
In turn, Engineer Abdul Salam Al Hashemi, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department of the Environmental Quality Sector at the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, said: “As part of our endeavor to assess the levels of pollution with plastic particles, the Authority conducts comprehensive and continuous environmental surveys, which include collecting samples of marine sediments, seawater, and living organisms from sites.” Key aspects of the marine environment of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
In addition, His Excellency Engineer Abdullah Hassan Al-Muaini, Executive Director of the Central Inspection Laboratory Sector at the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, said: “Through this partnership, the Central Inspection Laboratory will use its advanced laboratory techniques and technical resources to identify and measure these small plastic particles and characterize their sources and distribution within marine environments.” The Central Testing Laboratory firmly believes that prioritizing laboratory testing for microplastics in marine waters is an essential step towards promoting a sustainable future for our marine ecosystem.”
For his part, Ahmed Jaber Al Sharif, Director of the Abu Dhabi Life Sciences Department at the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, said: “Understanding the complex structure of our marine ecosystems requires serious study of what is invisible, and laboratory analysis of microplastic particles in marine waters reveals the silent threats that threaten the vitality of our marine environment.” “It urges us to take meaningful action to protect this important natural resource.”
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