We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Study of microplastic pollution in the seas of the Russian Arctic and the Far East
Summary
This study investigated microplastic pollution in seas of the Russian Arctic and Far East, regions that have received less scientific attention. Despite their remoteness, microplastics were detected, raising concern about contamination of pristine polar ecosystems.
The pollution of the seas in the Russian Arctic zone with micro-plastic particles is poorly studied in comparison with other areas of the World Ocean. The rapidly developing economic activity in the Arctic region threats to pollute the marine environment with plastic wastes. Arctic marine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable due to changes occurring in them under climate warming, as well as a large number of filter-feeder species in some coastal areas. The lack of observation data on the level of micro-plastic pollution in the region and methodological support for sampling requires the development of methods and approaches using the existing international experience. The paper presents preliminary results of the study carried out within the framework of the 4th stage of the TRANSARCTICA-2019 program in the Far Eastern and Arctic seas from Vladivostok to Murmansk. The authors present the analysis of existing approaches to sampling in seawaters and the possibility of their application in Russian expeditionary conditions. They describe in detail their method of sampling from a subsurface level (4—5 m) showing the advantage of using the proposed method for sampling when the vessel is moving and under adverse weather conditions. The studied quantitative and qualitative composition of the detected micro-plastic particles show that the East Siberian and Laptev seas have the lowest concentrations of micro-plastics. The largest amount of micro-plastic particles is found in the areas of intensive shipping in the Sea of Okhotsk and the Barents Sea. Comparison with existing international studies shows that the sampling method for micro-plastics strongly depends on the type of water body, its biological productivity, the level of pollution, as well as the technical capabilities of field research. All this indicates the need for intercalibration of sampling methods and further research for a more accurate quantitative and qualitative assessment of the micro-plastic pollution in the Arctic seas.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Surface Waters of the Russian Arctic Seas: Distribution, Concentration, Identification, and Eco-Risks for Fish
Microplastics were detected across surface waters of the Russian Arctic seas, with concentrations and polymer types varying by region and season. The findings document that even high-latitude Arctic waters are not spared from microplastic contamination, likely transported by ocean currents and rivers.
Microplastic contamination of marine environment of the Barents and Kara seas in 2019
This Russian-language study measured microplastic contamination in the Barents and Kara Seas in 2019, two Arctic ocean regions experiencing rapid environmental change. The findings document plastic pollution in these remote polar waters, which serve as important ecosystems for fish, marine mammals, and seabirds.
Microplastics quantification in surface waters of the Barents, Kara and White Seas
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.
First Evidence of Microplastic Occurrence in the Marine and Freshwater Environments in a Remote Polar Region of the Kola Peninsula and a Correlation with Human Presence
Researchers documented the first evidence of microplastic contamination in both marine and freshwater environments in a remote tundra region of the Kola Peninsula near the Arctic. Microplastics were found in all water samples from the Barents Sea and nearby lakes, with concentrations correlating to the proximity of a human research station. The findings indicate that even minimal human presence in remote polar regions can contribute to local microplastic pollution.
Microplastic Pollution in the Surface Waters from Plain and Mountainous Lakes in Siberia, Russia
Researchers conducted the first analysis of microplastic pollution in six lakes across southern Siberia, including both mountainous and plain environments. Microplastics were detected in all lakes studied, even those in protected areas with no permanent population nearby. The findings indicate that microplastic contamination has reached remote freshwater environments in Siberia, highlighting the widespread nature of this pollution.