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Low prevalence of microplastic contamination in the bottom sediments and deep-sea waters of the Bransfield strait, Antarctica
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Researchers conducted a baseline assessment of microplastic contamination in the deep-sea waters and bottom sediments of the Bransfield Strait in Antarctica. They found a low but measurable prevalence of suspected microplastic particles, predominantly fibers, even in this remote deep-sea environment. The findings confirm that microplastic pollution has reached some of the most isolated marine habitats on Earth.
Despite the remoteness of the Antarctic continent and Southern Ocean, microplastic (MPs) contamination has been evidenced in recent years. However, the deep-sea compartments of the Southern Ocean are yet to be investigated. In the present study, we conducted a baseline MP assessment of the deep-sea waters and bottom sediments of the Bransfield Strait, Antarctica. A low abundance of suspected MPs was found. The average MP abundances in bottom sediments and water samples were 0.09 MP/g (range of 0-0.2 MP/g) and 7.00 MP/L (range of 0-16 MP/L), respectively. The majority of the particles were fibers identified as cellulose, although polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was also detected. These results suggest low MP contamination levels in the Southern Ocean's deepest environmental compartments. However, future studies must aim to investigate the smallest MP fractions and, if possible, nanoplastic (<1 μm) contamination in these remote compartments.
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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.