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Reply on RC2
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This is an author reply to the second reviewer comment (RC2) on the same Antarctic snow microplastics study. The authors address additional questions about their sampling protocol and analytical confirmation of microplastic identity in remote Antarctic snow samples.
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 particlesâLâ1, 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 6000âkm, assuming a residence time of 6.5âd. 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.
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Reply on RC1
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This is an author reply to the first reviewer comment (RC1) on a manuscript about airborne microplastics detected in Antarctic snow across 19 sites on Ross Island. Microplastics were confirmed in all snow samples via micro-FTIR spectroscopy, indicating widespread atmospheric deposition even in Antarctica. The reply responds to specific methodological and interpretive questions raised by the reviewer.
Reply on RC2
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This second author reply addresses additional peer reviewer feedback on a microplastics study, clarifying analytical choices and responding to questions about data interpretation and extrapolation of results to environmental conditions.
Reply on RC1
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This author reply responds to reviewer comments on a manuscript about microplastic research, addressing methodological concerns and clarifying findings related to particle characterization and exposure assessment. The exchange contributes to the peer review discourse on emerging standards in microplastic science.
Comment on tc-2021-385
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This is a peer-review comment on a study that detected microplastics in all 19 Antarctic snow samples collected across the Ross Island region using micro-FTIR spectroscopy. The comment engages with the study methodology and its implications for understanding plastic transport to polar regions.
Microplastics in the southern ocean and antarctic snow
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Researchers sampled sub-surface seawater (4-5 m depth) aboard a research vessel and snow collected near five Russian Antarctic stations during the 2022 Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE), filtering at least 2 m3 of seawater per sample and 5 litres of snow per sample for microplastic analysis. The study characterised microplastic occurrence and composition in both the Southern Ocean water column and Antarctic snow, contributing baseline data on plastic contamination in one of the most remote regions on Earth.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.