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Microplastics in the ice algae Melosira arctica - plasticising a vector to planktonic grazers and benthos
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Researchers found high concentrations of microplastics in samples of the ice algae Melosira arctica collected from Arctic sea ice, suggesting that these long-filamentous algae act as biological traps for plastic particles released from melting ice. When these algae sink to the seafloor after ice melt, they could efficiently transport microplastics to deep Arctic sediments.
Plastic pollution has become ubiquitous even in remote polar ecosystems such as the Arctic. Previous research at HAUSGARTEN observatory with Fram infrastructure has shown that microplastic concentrations are particularly high in water and sediment samples taken close to the marginal ice zone and in sea ice cores and zooplankton grazers associated with sea ice. Here, we analysed samples of the ice algae Melosira arctica that attach to ice floes and often form long filaments, curtains, nets and other growth forms, which could capture microplastics released from melting sea ice. Samples and field and procedural blanks were taken opportunistically in Fram Strait during a helicopter-based ice sampling campaign in summer 2021 and analysed by µ-Raman. Microplastics were found in all samples in significant quantities across a variety of polymer types and particles sizes. Whilst more data are needed our results indicate that ice algae could be an important sink and also accelerate the transport of microplastics to the deep seafloor, since ice algae are known to form aggregates that accelerate their sinking rates. Ice algae could thus also be vectors for microplastics into benthic or zooplankton food webs. Also see: https://micro2022.sciencesconf.org/427180/document
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High Levels of Microplastics in the Arctic Sea Ice Alga Melosira arctica, a Vector to Ice-Associated and Benthic Food Webs
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Researchers discovered extremely high microplastic concentrations in the Arctic sea ice alga Melosira arctica, identifying it as a significant vector transporting microplastics from sea ice to ice-associated and deep-sea benthic food webs.
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Scientists found that Arctic sea ice traps far more microplastic particles than the surrounding snow, meltwater, or seawater, acting like a storage locker for plastic pollution that builds up over time. As climate change melts this ice, all those trapped microplastics could be released into ocean food chains, meaning fish and other seafood we eat may carry more plastic contamination as Arctic ice disappears.
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This study found that Arctic sea ice contains high concentrations of microplastics, acting as a temporary sink that accumulates plastic from the water column — with concern that rapid sea ice loss due to climate change will release these stored particles back into the ocean.
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Researchers found startling quantities of microplastics contaminating Arctic sea ice algae, the foundational food source for the entire Arctic marine ecosystem, raising concerns about ecosystem-wide contamination and climate feedback effects. Because sea ice algae are consumed by zooplankton, fish, and marine mammals, this contamination creates a pathway for microplastics to enter the Arctic food web and eventually reach human consumers of Arctic seafood.
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