The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced the approval of a research contract for the study of microplastics in groundwater, to be carried out by the Cienfuegos Center for Environmental Studies (CEAC).

"Development of an Integrated Methodological Framework Combining Isotopic Hydrology, Environmental Tracers, Hydrogeochemistry, and Microplastics Analysis to Assess Pollution Sources, Transport Pathways, and Environmental Fate in Cuban Groundwater Systems" is the full name of the agreement, reported the Cuban Network of Communicators (Recnuc).

It noted that the initiative is part of the Coordinated Research Project "Addressing Microplastic Pollution in Groundwater Using Isotope Hydrological Tracers– CRP F33032," sponsored by the IAEA, with a duration from 2026 to 2030.

Recnuc added that engineer Anamary Acosta Valladares, a Research Aspirant, will be the principal scientific investigator and responsible party for CEAC.

"The project will allow us to integrate isotopic hydrology, environmental tracers, hydrogeochemistry, and microplastics analysis to assess where these contaminants come from in Cuban groundwater, how they are transported, and what their fate is," Acosta Valladares explained.

She added that the work will begin with the compilation of existing information on groundwater quality and the presence of microplastics and other contaminants, after which sampling sites and the monitoring of groundwater and associated sources will be defined.

The samples, she continued, will be analyzed with quality control at the CEAC Environmental Testing Laboratory to detect them and study the composition and origin of the liquid.

With those results, she said, degradation processes will also be studied, as well as their relationship with recharge and the movement of water underground, and their presentation at research coordination meetings will contribute to scientific publications, technical guides, and case studies, the specialist specified.