We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Anthropogenic particles (including microfibers and microplastics) in marine sediments of the Canadian Arctic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first Arctic-wide Canadian survey of anthropogenic particles in marine sediments, finding microfibers and microplastics at all 14 sampled sites including remote locations, with synthetic fibers far outnumbering hard plastic fragments and concentrations increasing near shipping routes.
We report the first Canadian Arctic-wide study of anthropogenic particles (APs, >125 μm), including microfibers (synthetic, semi-synthetic and anthropogenically modified cellulose) and microplastics, in marine sediments from 14 sites. Samples from across the Canadian Arctic were collected between 2014 and 2017 from onboard the CCGS Amundsen. Samples were processed using density separation with calcium chloride (CaCl). APs >125 μm were identified and a subset (22%) were characterized using Raman spectroscopy. Following blank-correction, microfiber numbers were corrected using Raman data in a novel approach to subtract possible "natural" cellulose microfibers with no anthropogenic signal via Raman spectroscopy, to estimate the proportion of cellulose microfibers that are of confirmed anthropogenic origin. Of all microfibers examined by Raman spectroscopy, 51% were anthropogenic cellulose, 11% were synthetic polymers, and 7% were extruded fibers emitting a dye signal. The remaining 31% of microfibers were identified as cellulosic but could not be confirmed as anthropogenic and thus were excluded from the final concentrations. Concentrations of confirmed APs in sediments ranged from 0.6 to 4.7 particles g dry weight (dw). Microfibers comprised 82% of all APs, followed by fragments at 15%. Total microfiber concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 3.2 microfibers g dw, while microplastic (fragments, foams, films and spheres) concentrations ranged from 0 to 1.6 microplastics g dw. These concentrations may exceed those recorded in urban areas near point sources of plastic pollution, and indicate that the Canadian Arctic is a sink for APs, including anthropogenic cellulose fibers. Overall, we provide an important benchmark of AP contamination in Canadian Arctic marine sediments against which to measure temporal trends, including the effects of source reduction strategies and climate change, both of which will likely alter patterns of accumulation of anthropogenic particles.
More Papers Like This
A first assessment of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in Hudson Bay and the surrounding eastern Canadian Arctic waters of Nunavut
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists collected surface water, zooplankton, sediment, and snow samples from Hudson Bay to northern Baffin Island and found microplastics in all sample types, providing the first comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination across this broad eastern Canadian Arctic region.
Arctic threads: Microplastic fibres in Chukchi and Beaufort sea sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected sediment samples from the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in the Arctic and found microplastic fibers present at every sampling site. Synthetic fibers were the dominant type, likely originating from textiles and fishing activities transported by ocean currents. The study adds to growing evidence that even remote Arctic environments are not spared from microplastic contamination.
Anthropogenic particles in sediment from an Arctic fjord
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed two sampling designs to collect sediment subsamples from an Arctic fjord in Svalbard, finding anthropogenic particles including microplastics and dyed fibres, and contributing to the limited data on plastic contamination levels in Arctic environments.
Occurrence and sources of microplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of Svalbard, Arctic
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found microplastics — exclusively in fiber form composed of polyester, rayon, and cellulose — in Arctic sediments from two Svalbard fjords, alongside polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, suggesting fisheries activity and textiles as primary pollution sources in this remote environment.
The occurrence and sources of microplastics to Arctic and sub-Arctic beaches: human influence on local microplastic hotspots
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized microplastic occurrence and sources at Arctic and sub-Arctic beaches, finding that proximity to human settlements creates local hotspots, while more remote beaches receive microplastics primarily through long-range oceanic transport.
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.