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First evidence of microplastics in Antarctic snow
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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.
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 kilometers, assuming a residence time of 6.5 days. 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 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.
Blown to the North?: microplastic in snow fallen out from the atmosphere of Europe and the Arctic
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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.
Airborne microplastics in Antarctica and New Zealand.
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Researchers detected airborne microplastics at two remote sites in Antarctica and New Zealand, including in previously pristine regions far from human habitation. The presence of microplastics in Antarctic air demonstrates that atmospheric transport can carry plastic particles to even the most remote corners of the planet.
Microplastics in snow from protected areas in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan
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Researchers sampled snow from protected natural areas in Hokkaido, Japan, and found microplastics in all samples. Fibers and fragments were the most common particle types, suggesting airborne particles traveled to this remote region before being deposited with snowfall. The findings show that even protected ecosystems are not immune to atmospheric microplastic deposition.
Microplastics in the snow cover of the south of Western Siberia
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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.
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.