Scientists are becoming increasingly concerned about the effects of microplastic pollution on marine life and human health. Researchers from the Ocean Conservancy have discovered these tiny particles in every marine habitat they have examined, and they believe that marine animals such as blue whales consume millions of them each day. In addition to the impact on wildlife, humans also ingest 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.
Jaramillo and Crisafi-Lurtsema are two scientists who are working to learn more about microplastics, including those found in the air and left behind by climbers on Denali who shed particles from petroleum-based gear and food containers. While their research may not solve the problem of microplastic pollution, it will provide a baseline understanding of the issue.
For Jaramillo, climbing Denali along the 17-mile West Buttress Route is a dream come true. Originally from Quito, Ecuador, he moved to Alaska to study engineering at UAF. Despite being in Alaska for less than a year, he is excited to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the Kahiltna Glacier and the beginning of the climb at around 7,000 feet altitude. Jaramillo has had a passion for climbing since childhood, having scaled peaks like Cotopaxi in Ecuador with his father when he was just 12 years old.
