Applied Physics: On the guard of the oceans
Applied Physics is an immensely broad field. You probably know that applied physicists use physics laws to develop new technologies or solve engineering problems. But what about environmental use of Applied Physics? Or even more specifically, Applied Physics to track plastic pollution in the ocean? Would that be a research within the field of Applied Physics? These are precisely the questions we discussed with Hasara Thennakoon, Applied Physics (MSc) student from Sri Lanka.
Fascinated with the ocean
I am originally from Sri Lanka and I have been always fascinated with the ocean surrounding our island. When I was a teenager, I took an active part in ocean clean-ups as a volunteer. After I graduated with the Bachelor’s in Physics, I have been looking for an option to study Oceanography to learn more about ocean nature and mechanisms. It is an extremely complex system of physical, chemical and biological processes. Besides, there are different types of marine environments and processes in creating unique ecosystems. For instance, Estonia lies in the Baltic Sea, which is enclosed with land and closer to north pole, while Sri Lanka is a tropical island surrounded with vast Indian Ocean. What really has inspired me is a TED Talk by Sylvia Earle, who explained that every government spends so much money to explore the space, and so little to research the ocean. Only 5 per cent of the ocean has been explored by now, in which only 9 per cent of existing species has been identified. Ocean is an incredibly exciting topic.
Microplastic in Baltic Sea
During the first semester at TalTech I took a course, that introduced each segment and subject we were going to learn, and naturally my interest went to Marine in general, and plastic pollution in particular. I found it a great opportunity to work on a research together with Urmas Lips, a nominee of Estonian science award for his research dedicated to the processes in Baltic Ocean. He is also a chair, member and coordinator of several institutions and organizations, among which HELCOM, working on preserving the ecology of the Baltic Sea. He introduced me to his wife Inga Lips, who is the head of Ecology Lab in Marine Institute, who was planning to study microplastic distribution for first time in Estonian sandy beaches. Within this project, our team went different locations in the country, where groups of students were to collect beach sand from the areas with high debris accumulation tendency, later sending their samples to the Ecology Lab at Taltech. Overall, the samples from 8 beaches in Estonia were analyzed (Pärnu, Stroomi, Pirita, Viimsi, Paralepa, Mandjäla Narva jöesuu and Valgerand). From there on, we did special procedures to the sand samples in order to extract the microplastic from it. Microplastic particles are very small as their name suggests, and come in variety of materials from fibers to very small bits of cosmetic products. Our task is to divide them into categories and then identify the type of polymers. Eventually, it will help to understand their source in order to establish how most of plastic entered the sea waters. For instance, Pärnu and Närva rivers are coming through a vast territory of land, carrying a large share of microplastic from washing machines among other sources. Every time we wash our cloths made from synthetic materials tiny microplastic fibers from them end up in the drains. In our research we want to identify the main kinds of plastic pollution and their sources. The problem with the Baltic Sea is its shape, which makes it more vulnerable for pollution. And so, unfortunately, by now there is a significant loss of biodiversity in the Baltic sea.
Plans for future
I am planning to continue my studies at the PhD level, because I would like to research the process of plastics transportation in the water and how it can impact on marine systems. Previously, plastics were assumed to either float on the surface or sink towards the bottom. Now we know — plastics can float within a certain depth of water column. I would like to study the exact process behind the plastic distribution. For the most part, plastics in the oceans are brought there from the rivers. Once we identify, if there are certain points of plastic accumulation we can prevent the amount of it landing in the water and minimize the harm it causes. Marine litter, pollution with plastics and their impact are still in the young stage of research, and even more so when it comes to plastics distribution. One should also keep in mind, once in the water larger plastic items do not stay in one piece as they are, but are separating into smaller and smaller particles, especially difficult to spot. In my future research, I would like to get much broader understanding to identify plastic accumulation spots by studying more about how physical processes like waves wind effect plastic distribution. People are going to keep using plastic for a long while, meaning every second more and more plastic is landing in the water, so it is very important to do something about it.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Of course, I don’t think it is enough if only one person is engaged into environmentally friendly behaviors. Nevertheless, I believe if one person starts something trendy people in their neighborhood the others will start copying this person. Let’s say there will be 5 other people copying you, some other 10 copying them and so on and so forth, and then it will sum up into some 10% of the whole country population. And this what the effort of only one person can turn into. Environmental issues are becoming more and more trendy and it is important each of us takes part in this “useful” trend to turn into a long-term movement.
When we buy things, we have the tendency to waste. And it is not only about plastic, we are buying only perfect products — fruit and vegetables, throwing away everything having any slight imperfection, even though we could still use it. The leftovers are most frequently those irregularly shaped things. So, in my opinion, we must get away from the perception that things must be perfect.
It is all about smart choices changes and small adjustments. Buy things in bulk — 1 big package instead of 3 small, if you know you are going to use it anyway. Second hand shopping is another significant way to reduce waste and pollution. Besides, if you are about to throw away your old T-shirt, instead you can try to make a mat or a duster out of it, or simply start wearing it only indoors. Old plastic bottles are good to grow some plants, I use them as pots for my chili peppers. I have overall minimized my usage. Recently I’ve made a bag out of an old skirt. To way products at the supermarket I have my own bags with me. We don’t think these small things will affect much, but they will, it all sums up.
Think about buying products directly from small-scale farmers without going to the supermarket. It is better for environment as well as for small business. Once I found these amazing strawberries sold by farmers, the taste is incomparable to those from the supermarket. In Sri Lanka my family has a garden, where they are growing vegetables and have a place for a compost. So, if you have a garden — composting is a great way to reduce waste.
Life in Estonia
Culture-and climate-wise Sri Lanka is totally the opposite to Estonia. In Sri Lanka, it is always warm and sunny, Sri Lankan culture is loud, we have huge families, lots of uncles and aunties. In Estonia, it is very peaceful, people follow the rules, they are very genuine and they mind their own business in the best sense of it. Meaning, everyone can live according to their own principles without judgement. We love to travel with my husband, and by now we have traveled all over Estonia, it is truly beautiful. I have also found very good Estonian friends. People say it is very difficult to find friends here, but I guess I got lucky and I have met very lovely people at the university. We are spending time together, say go for drinks or coffee. In my experience, in spite of being cold and distant at the first sight, once Estonians get closer and more familiar with you they open up. So now and then one hears about certain issues foreigners may encounter in Estonia, some racist comments or attitudes. Personally, I have nothing negative to say in this regard. Neither I, nor my husband, who has been living in Estonia for nearly 4 years, have ever come across such situations. I love living in Estonia.
