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Low cost preventive measures can effectively mitigated microplastics release from scientific research facilities in Antarctica
Summary
Researchers showed that low-cost preventive measures, such as laundry bags and modified washing settings, can significantly reduce microplastic fiber release from synthetic textiles during domestic washing.
Abstract Microplastics release in Antarctica are becoming a concerning issue, despite of the limited human presence. This study estimates the annual release of primary microplastics from scientific facilities and analyse the policy interventions to efficiently target this pollution. The study has estimated an amount of 238kg per year, which is negligible on a continental scale but could have significant local environmental impacts. A comprehensive cost-efficiency analysis demonstrates that microplastics release can be effectively mitigated through low-cost preventive measures, such as installing washing machine filters and banning hygiene products containing microbeads. Furthermore, the implementation of wastewater treatment systems is suggested as a crucial and long-term cost-effective solution for treating wastewater effluent and removing other pollutants from the Antarctic region. These results provide a framework to inform policy decisions on microplastics release in Antarctica and lay the foundation for improved environmental protection strategies in this sensitive region.