Scientists are working to better understand the extent of the harm caused by microplastics, which are inhaled and consumed by both humans and animals. Researchers from the Ocean Conservancy have found these tiny particles in every marine habitat they have examined. While most of the plastic is expelled from our bodies, a small portion remains inside us. Blue whales, for example, ingest up to 10 million pieces of microplastic each day.
Jaramillo, a student in UAF’s engineering program, is one of the scientists working to study these particles. He has always been passionate about climbing and his lifelong dream come true is to climb Denali along the West Buttress Route. Growing up in Quito, Ecuador, he developed this passion with his father, tackling peaks like the 19,347-foot Cotopaxi volcano at a young age. His journey from Ecuador to New York City to Alaska has led him to this moment where he is about to embark on an adventure that he has always dreamed of.
Another scientist who is studying this issue is Crisafi-Lurtsema. She is researching the particles left behind by climbers on Denali who discard items made from plastic. By gathering data on this issue, she hopes to better understand the scope of the problem and its impact on both human health and wildlife health. The extent of harm caused by these tiny particles still unknown but with more research it will be possible to understand it better