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Numerical Study of the Riverine Microplastic Distribution in the Arctic Ocean
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This numerical study modeled the spread of microplastics carried by Siberian rivers into the Arctic Ocean's Kara Sea shelf over a five-year period. The simulations showed that ocean currents and sea ice drift significantly influence microplastic distribution patterns, highlighting the vulnerability of Arctic marine environments to riverine plastic pollution.
Marine plastic pollution is currently one of the most serious environmental threats. In this study, based on scenario calculations for a five-year period, we analyzed the possible spread of microplastics carried by Siberian rivers to the Kara Sea shelf. The Lagrangian particle model used daily data from 3D numerical modeling to simulate microplastic transport by ocean currents and sea ice drift. The results of a series of scenario calculations show how the distribution of particles and their subsequent deposition depend on their type (density), size, processes of freezing into the ice, and biofouling (accumulation of microorganisms). The crucial influence of the effects of microplastic embedding in sea ice and particle biofouling on the trajectories of floating particles and their deposition on the seafloor is highlighted. The transport of light particles of microplastics from Siberian rivers by ice can contribute to the pollution of the Barents Sea, in addition to their more active outflow through the Fram Strait. Biofouling is a driver of microplastic deposition on the shelf bottom or transport along the continental slope in a cyclonic direction following the trajectory of the Atlantic waters.
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Transport of Riverine Microplastics in the Arctic Ocean
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This study used 3D numerical ocean circulation models to track how riverine microplastics are transported through the Arctic Ocean, including through sea ice formation and melt. The findings show that microplastics can be carried long distances in the Arctic, where they accumulate in remote regions and enter polar food webs.
Trans-polar drift-pathways of riverine European microplastic
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Researchers used Lagrangian particle simulations to model the transport of buoyant microplastics from northern European rivers through the trans-polar drift to the high Arctic. The study found widespread dispersal along the Eurasian continental shelf, across the North Pole, and back into the Nordic Seas, with accumulation zones identified over multi-year timescales. The findings reveal how riverine microplastics from Europe can reach remote Arctic regions through ocean current pathways.
"Microplastic pollution of the Kara Sea surface in different seasons."
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This study measured the spatial and seasonal distribution of floating microplastics at the surface of the Kara Sea in the Russian Arctic using two research cruises in 2020 and 2021. Microplastics were detected across the sampling area, with spatial patterns related to ocean currents. The findings contribute to documentation of microplastic contamination in the Arctic, a rapidly changing and ecologically sensitive region.
Microplastics quantification in surface waters of the Barents, Kara and White Seas
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This study measured microplastic concentrations in the surface waters of the White, Barents, and Kara Seas in the Arctic, finding particularly high levels off the coast of Novaya Zemlya. The detection of microplastics in these remote Arctic waters confirms that ocean currents carry plastic pollution to polar regions far from the original sources.
Modelling the accumulation and transport of microplastics by sea ice
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This modeling study simulated the accumulation and transport of microplastics by sea ice over time using an ocean circulation model. Researchers found that sea ice acts as a significant vector for concentrating and redistributing microplastics across Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
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.