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The unique distribution pattern of PFAS in landfill organics
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This study assessed microplastic contamination in seawater and surface sediments from Antarctic coastal areas near research stations. While particle concentrations were generally low, the types of polymers identified were consistent with station activities, indicating that even isolated research outposts contribute measurably to local microplastic pollution.
PFAS from degrading landfill waste partition into organic matter, leachate, and landfill gas. Driven by the limited understanding of PFAS distribution in landfill organics, we analyzed PFAS across various depths and seven spatially distinct locations within a municipal landfill. The measured PFAS concentrations in organics ranged from 6.71 to 73.06 µg kg-1, a sum of twenty-nine PFAS from six classes. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) were the dominant classes, constituting 25-82 % and 8-40 % of total PFAS at different depths. PFBA was the most dominant PFCA with a concentration range of 0.90-37.91 µg kg-1, while 5:3 FTCA was the most prevalent FTCA with a concentration of 0.26-17.99 µg kg-1. A clear vertical distribution of PFAS was observed, with significantly greater PFAS concentrations at the middle depths (20-35 ft), compared to the shallow (10-20 ft) and high depths (35-50 ft). A strong positive correlation (r > 0.50) was noted between total PFAS, total carbon, and dissolved organic matter in landfill organics. Multivariate statistical analysis inferred common sources and transformations of PFAS within the landfill. This study underscores the importance of a system-level analysis of PFAS fate in landfills, considering waste variability, chemical properties, release mechanisms, and PFAS transformations.
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Contribution of Research Station Activities to Microplastic Pollution in Antarctica: A Case Study of King Sejong Station
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Researchers monitored microplastic pollution from King Sejong Antarctic research station over time to assess whether local station activities contribute meaningfully to MP contamination. Frequent temporal sampling linked station operations to detectable MP pollution in surrounding environments, suggesting research stations are a locally significant source beyond ocean-transported plastics.
Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics in Soils and Intertidal Sediments at Fildes Bay, Maritime Antarctica
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Researchers found microplastic contamination in soils and intertidal sediments at Fildes Bay in Maritime Antarctica, with higher concentrations near research stations, demonstrating that even remote polar environments are affected by microplastic pollution.
Movement of Microplastics in the Wastewater Discharged from the Antarctic Research Station
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This study found microplastic contamination in wastewater discharged from Antarctic research stations, implicating human activity as a local pollution source in an otherwise pristine environment. The findings highlight the need for better wastewater treatment systems at polar research facilities.
Microplastics in sediments of the waters near the Akademik Vernadsky station
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Researchers examined microplastic distribution in bottom sediments near the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic research station, identifying artificial polymer particles in geological components and adapting analytical methods to characterize polar microplastic contamination driven by station activities and regional transport.
Distribution characteristics of microplastics in surface and subsurface Antarctic seawater
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Researchers characterized microplastic distribution in both surface and subsurface Antarctic seawater, finding plastic contamination present at multiple depths and dominated by fibers and fragments, highlighting that even remote polar waters are affected by plastic pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.