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Microplastics in sea ice drifted to the Shiretoko Peninsula, the southern end of the Sea of Okhotsk
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Researchers investigated the abundance, composition, size distribution, and shape of microplastics in sea ice cores collected at the Shiretoko Peninsula at the southern end of the Sea of Okhotsk. The study detected nine microplastic types predominantly in fragmentary shapes at concentrations of 0-60 particles per liter, with most fragments smaller than 120 micrometers and all fiber MPs in the largest size class above 210 micrometers.
Abstract Sea ice is regarded as a temporal sink and carrier of microplastics (MPs). Nevertheless, knowledge and understanding of MPs in sea ice remain sparse. This study investigated the abundance, composition, size (>30 micro m), and shape of MPs in four sea-ice cores retrieved at the southern end of the Sea of Okhotsk. Nine microplastic (MP) types, mostly with fragmentary shapes, were detected among ice-core sections. Most fragmentary MPs were smaller than 120 micro m, but all fiber MPs were in the largest size class (>210 micro m). MP concentrations were 0–60 particles/L, with an average of 21 particles/L. Higher occurrences of MPs observed in the lower ice layers are attributable to heavier MP contamination in the southern part of the sea and/or relocation of MPs in the ice matrix. No significant correlation was found between the distributions of MP and inorganic particle (sediment) abundances, implying difference in their kinetics of suspension freezing. Taken together, these findings suggest important implications for elucidating the nature and distribution of MPs in sea ice.
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Microplastics in sea ice drifted to the Shiretoko Peninsula, the southern end of the Sea of Okhotsk
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Sea ice collected near Japan's Shiretoko Peninsula contained up to 60 microplastic particles per liter, predominantly small fragments under 120 micrometers, confirming that drifting sea ice acts as a carrier and temporary reservoir for microplastics across ocean regions. The findings add to evidence that polar and sub-polar ice systems play an active role in redistributing plastic pollution far from its original sources.
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Researchers collected ice cores from the Novik Bay in the Sea of Japan and analyzed vertical distribution of microplastics within the ice at different depths. The study found size-specific and time-variable contamination patterns, contributing to understanding of how microplastics become incorporated into and distributed within sea ice.
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Sea ice samples collected from multiple Arctic locations showed that microplastic polymer composition in sea ice is not uniform but varies with the growth region and drift history of the ice floe. The findings reveal that even remote Arctic sea ice reflects localized pollution sources through distinct microplastic signatures, raising concerns about the role of sea ice as a collector and transporter of microplastics.
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