IAEA director general Rafael Grossi speaks during a session on combating marine pollution. (Photo: E. McDonald/IAEA)
Plastic waste is polluting the oceans and entering the human body in the form of microplastics. According to the United Nations, without immediate action the amount of plastic finding a way into the oceans each year could reach 37 million metric tons by 2040, becoming a threat to marine and human life.
During the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, held earlier this month in Nice, France, the International Atomic Energy Agency highlighted the role of nuclear science in protecting the world’s oceans.
Nuclear action: “Four years ago, at the last UN Ocean Conference, I announced NUTEC Plastics, an initiative that gives countries the tools they need to address the issue of marine microplastic pollution,” said IAEA director general Rafael Grossi. “Today, I am delighted to report that we have made significant progress with 99 countries involved, and we have been equipping more than 100 member state laboratories all over the world. We are building the capacity that countries need to translate data into policies and action.”
NUTEC Plastics supports countries in researching microplastics and using nuclear technology to improve recycling techniques. Nuclear applications include the use of radiation technology for waste recycling and monitoring and the use of isotopic techniques to monitor and assess impacts of microplastic pollution.
“Nuclear and isotopic techniques add incredible value to boost ocean health,” said Florence Descroix-Comanducci, director of the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories. “Our laboratories in Monaco support member states in the implementation and use of these techniques, and to develop harmonized methods to generate globally comparable data, especially in light of the forthcoming plastics treaty.”
Note: The conference, which drew more than 10,000 participants—including scientists, diplomats, and politicians—aimed to accelerate the progress of the UN’s SDG14, Life Below Water program through innovative technologies and action.
