Cuban experts conclude training course on ecosystems in Brazil

 HAVANA, Cuba, Aug 18 (ACN) Cuban professionals conclude today in Brazil a regional course on monitoring through analytical techniques of microplastics in marine ecosystems, sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

They are Ariana Garcia Chamero, MSc, aspiring researcher at the Center for Environmental Studies of Cienfuegos (central Cuba); and Anamarys Albuerne Perez, specialist for Science, Technology and Environment.

Both participated in conferences on microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment; their sources, distribution and fate in coastal ecosystems, the Cuban Network of Nuclear Communicators (REDNUC) told the Cuban News Agency.

In addition, visits to Instrumentation laboratories and microplastics sampling actions in beach sands, in Niteroi, a city in the State of Rio de Janeiro, among other activities.

REDNUC added that the course is hosted by the Laboratory of Radioecology and Environmental Changes of the Fluminense Federal University, and is also attended by researchers from several Latin American and Caribbean countries that are part of the IAEA-funded project.

The latter promotes the conservation and sustainable management of oceans, seas and marine resources; and the definition of public policies towards the integral solution of chemical and microplastic pollution, harmful algal blooms and accelerated changes in ocean acidification.
It also responds to fulfillment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Underwater Life, of which Cuba is a signatory.