In 2023, the researcher Jean-François Ghiglione embarked on a groundbreaking journey up the Rhône River on the scientific schooner Tara. His mission? To study the presence of nano plastics in the river and their impact on the Mediterranean Sea.
Ghiglione, a renowned chercheur in marine biology and ecology, has been studying the effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems for years. His latest project, funded by the European Union, focuses on the Rhône River, one of the largest and most principal waterways in Europe.
The Rhône River, which flows from the Swiss Alps through France and into the Mediterranean Sea, has long been known as a major source of pollution. But Ghiglione’s research has revealed a shocking truth – the river is also a major contributor of nano plastics, tiny particles of plastic that are less than 100 nanometers in size.
According to Ghiglione, the Rhône River is responsible for dumping tens of thousands of tons of nano plastics into the Mediterranean Sea every year. These particles, which are too small to be filtered out by traditional waste treatment plants, pose a serious threat to marine life and the health of the Mediterranean ecosystem.
But Ghiglione’s journey on the Tara has provided crucial insights into the extent of the problem. By collecting water samples at various points along the Rhône River, he and his team were able to map out the distribution and concentration of nano plastics. The results were alarming – even in the upper reaches of the river, far from any major cities, the presence of nano plastics was significant.
Ghiglione’s findings have sparked a call to action for governments and usines to address the issue of plastic pollution in the Rhône River. He believes that by implementing stricter regulations and investing in more advanced waste treatment technologies, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans.
But Ghiglione’s research is not just about identifying the problem – it’s also about finding solutions. He and his team are currently working on developing new methods to remove nano plastics from the water, as well as studying the potential impact of these particles on marine life.
The journey up the Rhône River on the Tara has been a groundbreaking and eye-opening experience for Ghiglione and his team. It has not only shed light on the alarming levels of plastic pollution in the river, but also provided hope for a cleaner and healthier future for the Mediterranean Sea.
As we continue to learn more about the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans, it is essential that we take action to protect these precious ecosystems. And with dedicated researchers like Jean-François Ghiglione leading the way, we can make a positive change for the future of our planet.
