Brazil’s volcanic Trindade Island has now become a wonderland for scientists. The site is a breeding ground for the endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas, and many turtles come here to lay their eggs. That is why this area is the site of many researches (Plastic Rock). But now a factor that has caused the concern of scientists (Science) has come to light, that is the plastic rocks in this place.
Plastics were found stuck to rocks on the island, about 1,140 kilometers from the state of Espirito Santo.
This is due to human activity
Such a finding is new. Scientists have said that it is equally scary. Scientists are concerned that human-caused pollution is a natural disaster that affects everyone.
Fernanda Avelar Santos, a geologist at the Federal University of Paraná, said that the increasing amount of pollution here is a concern for mankind and has also caused problems for nature.
Shocking fact found by scientists
Santos and his team conducted chemical tests to determine the type of plastics found in “plastiglomerates.” These rocks are composed of a mixture of sedimentary particles and debris mixed with plastic.
What causes plastic to stick to rocks?
Scientist Fernanda, who has stated that this is pollution, said that it is coming from fishing nets and it is pollution caused by debris found on the beaches of Trinidad Island. These nets are drawn from the shore into the ocean waves and accumulate on the shores. This plastic melts when the temperature rises. Embraces the natural elements of the beach.
Endangered green turtles
Also, the green turtle in this region, Chelonia mydas, is one of the most endangered species in the world. Every year, thousands come to Trindade Island to lay their eggs. The Brazilian Navy is based on the island and protects the turtle nests. It is the only human population in Trinidad.
Excessive influence of humans on the environment
“The place where we found these plastic samples is a permanently protected area in Brazil. The area is close to where the endangered green turtles lay their eggs,” Santos said. Speaking to Reuters, Santos told Reuters that excessive human pollution is responsible for the build-up of plastic reefs in the region, referring to the current geography of the planet, which has been affected by human impact on the planet’s geology and ecosystems.
Human-made pollution, garbage in the sea and plastic thrown in the oceans knowingly or unknowingly as geological material are causing problems to the nature and the earth. Santos said that everyone should act to prevent this and protect the endangered green turtles.