We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
First evidence of microplastics in Antarctic snow
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected snow samples from 19 sites across the Ross Island region of Antarctica and found microplastics in every sample, at an average concentration of 29 particles per liter. Fibers were the most common particle type, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) identified as the predominant polymer. This study provides the first evidence that airborne microplastics have reached Antarctic snow, demonstrating the truly global extent of microplastic pollution.
Abstract. In recent years, airborne microplastics have been identified in a range of remote environments. However, data throughout the Southern Hemisphere, in particular Antarctica, are largely absent to date. We collected snow samples from 19 sites across the Ross Island region of Antarctica. Suspected microplastic particles were isolated and their composition confirmed using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR). We identified microplastics in all Antarctic snow samples at an average concentration of 29 particles L−1, with fibres the most common morphotype and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) the most common polymer. To investigate sources, backward air mass trajectories were run from the time of sampling. These indicate potential long-range transportation of up to 6000 km, assuming a residence time of 6.5 d. Local sources were also identified as potential inputs into the environment as the polymers identified were consistent with those used in clothing and equipment from nearby research stations. This study adds to the growing body of literature regarding microplastics as a ubiquitous airborne pollutant and establishes their presence in Antarctica.
More Papers Like This
First evidence of microplastics in Antarctic snow
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected snow samples from 19 sites across Antarctica's Ross Island region and found microplastics in every sample, confirming that synthetic polymer particles have reached even this most remote environment. The findings show that atmospheric transport has delivered microplastics to pristine Antarctic snow far from any plastic sources.
Microplastic Contamination in Snow from Western Italian Alps
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled residual snow from four locations in the Western Italian Alps and confirmed the presence of microplastics at concentrations averaging 2.32 particles per liter. The study found polyethylene was the most common polymer, and the results suggest that microplastics reach remote mountain environments through atmospheric deposition and local human activities.
Blown to the North?: microplastic in snow fallen out from the atmosphere of Europe and the Arctic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in snow collected across Arctic and European locations, providing evidence that the atmosphere transports microplastics over long distances and deposits them in remote environments far from human activity.
Microplastics in the snow cover of the south of Western Siberia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers detected microplastics in snow samples from the south of Western Siberia, Russia, confirming that atmospheric deposition is a significant pathway for microplastic entry into remote terrestrial environments. Fibers were the most common form found, likely originating from textiles.
Airborne microplastic pollution detected in the atmosphere of the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a year-long study at an Antarctic research station and found airborne microplastics in the atmosphere of the South Shetland Islands. The study identified a wide variety of plastic polymers, indicating that microplastic pollution has reached even the most remote parts of the planet. These findings underscore how pervasive plastic contamination has become, extending far beyond populated areas.
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.