Mission Spiritus
Planet | People | Purpose | Projects
Mission Spiritus is a bold and ambitious initiative comprising seven major science-focused expeditions to gather micro and nanoplastic samples from some of the world’s most remote locations.
The Vision
Led by Alan Chambers MBE, Mission Spiritus is dedicated to accelerating vital research on the future of the climate and human health by conducting science-driven expeditions across remote regions on each continent.
Each Mission Spiritus expedition will collect critical data on the distribution of micro and nano plastics. As plastic waste breaks down, it infiltrates almost every environment – including the air, ocean depths, drinking water, and even the human body – posing substantial risks to all life forms.
Mission Spiritus aims to deliver evidence-based insights that enable impactful solutions, driving meaningful transformational change on one of humanity’s most pressing environmental crises.
Expeditions
Embarking on seven expeditions across some of the Earth’s most remote regions, our team will conduct groundbreaking research to uncover the spread of nano plastics in the environment. Each expedition will collect samples from Earth’s elements – such as snow, sand, soil, and water – for detailed analysis, complemented by thorough studies on human health to deepen our understanding of temporal patterns and performance in extreme environments.
Latest Updates
MS Oman: A Landmark Expedition in Science, Endurance and Discovery
After 21 days and 1,100km of relentless desert terrain, Mission Spiritus Oman has come to…
MS Oman Expedition: Phase 4
Phase 4 marked the final and most complex stage of the Mission Spiritus Oman Expedition.…
MS Oman Expedition: Phase 3
Phase 3 of the Mission Spiritus Oman Expedition has been a whirlwind of progress, collaboration,…
01. Antarctica (Mission completed)
MISSION COMPLETE:
1,150km covered from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. Endured relentless cold and wind with temperatures plummeting to -30°C. Successfully collected 52 snow samples for critical research.
02. Oman (Mission completed)
MISSION COMPLETE:
1100km in 21 days across the vast Empty Quarter and Wahiba Sands. Faced extreme heat, towering dunes and relentless sandstorms. Successfully collected 52 sand samples for critical research.
03. Faroe Islands (proposed)
In July 2025, it is proposed to conduct an expedition across the Faroe Islands. This research study would collect coastal beach samples, as well as water and sediment samples from both tourist-visited and remote lakes, to distinguish microplastic sources and reconstruct plastic pollution history.
04. Atacama Desert (proposed)
In 2026, it is proposed to conduct an expedition across the Atacama Desert in Chile – the driest nonpolar desert in the world.
05. Comoros Islands (proposed)
Proposed expedition to the Comoros Islands located in the Mozambique Channel to the north-west of Madagascar. Further details coming soon.
