Thai team tackles pollution in Antarctica

Smog traces found by CHINARE guests

Thai team tackles pollution in Antarctica
The SR-FTIR method is used to identify chemical contaminants in Antarctica sand, according to a scientist at the Thai Synchrotron National Lab in Nakhon Ratchasima. ( Photos: Synchrotron Light Research Institute )

According to Thai scientists, sand in Antarctica is contaminated with fossil fuel combustion, which has alerted state agencies to measures that would curtail such task in the nation’s most clean environment.

A study team sent tests to the Thai Synchrotron National Lab in Nakhon Ratchasima to find out if there was any chemical contaminants in the ground at five places on the country’s King George Island.

An SR- Nmr microspectroscopy method was employed to analyze the sand.

The research team’s lead researcher, Siwatt Pongpiachan, said the method may identify any variations between natural and non-organic substances as well as chemical interaction in the sand.

He claimed that the method can produce a flawless logical outcome, as well as ensuring that the samples remain fresh in order for use in future analyses.

In 2016 to study the effects of climate change on the snow environment, Thai researchers participate in the 32nd CHINARE expedition to the South Pole.

According to Mr. Siwatt, the results reveal that up to 44 % of the sampled soil’s structure is composed of organic compounds from fossil fuels, which were used to generate energy, and that there are also traces of equipment smog.

Only 25 % of the soil’s organic materials came from decomposed plants like fungus, ferns, and moss, which were leftover from birds. He claimed that samples taken from places where people live, such as research facilities and the airports, contained higher levels of contamination.

We want to keep the area clean and free of any poisoned contamination, he said, so I hope the findings will support the need for proper measures to control fossil-fuel fire activity.

Under the 34th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expeditions ( CHINARE), Mr. Siwatt’s team is one of the expeditions that are looking into Antarctica.

He traveled to the South Pole for the 32nd CHINARE exploration in 2016 to study the effects of climate change on the ice landscape as part of Princess Sirindhorn’s partnership with the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration ( CAA ). Every month, Thai scientists and researchers are collaborating with the organization.

Antarctica is the five- largest globe, with an region of 14 million square miles.

The international community has agreed to support the preservation of its unspoiled environment by excluding human activity that for research purposes.