Researchers from the Ocean Conservancy have discovered that microplastics are present in every marine habitat they have examined. These small particles, often less than 5mm in size, are ingested by marine animals such as blue whales, who consume up to 10 million pieces of microplastic each day. Humans also consume microplastics through our food and drink, with 10 percent of what we eat remaining in our bodies. The long-term effects of this ingestion on human health are still unknown.
To learn more about these tiny particles and their impact, scientists like Jaramillo and Crisafi-Lurtsema are conducting research on various aspects of microplastics. While their work may not solve the problem of microplastic pollution, it will provide a baseline understanding of the issue. Jaramillo is excited to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Denali along the 17-mile West Buttress Route at around 7,000 feet altitude. Originally from Quito, Ecuador, he moved to Alaska to study engineering at UAF. Despite being in Alaska for less than a year, he has had a passion for climbing since childhood and has scaled peaks like Cotopaxi with his father when he was just 12 years old.
