We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Airborne microplastics in Antarctica and New Zealand.
Summary
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.
Microplastic pollution is an emerging area of research globally. The ability of microplastics to be airborne allows particles to reach remote and sensitive environments previously thought untouched by plastic pollution. Research on airborne microplastics in the Southern Hemisphere is currently lacking. There is a need to identify microplastic abundance in remote regions to understand the wider implications of their dispersal on ecosystem health and atmospheric processes. This research aims to address the gap in our knowledge of remote airborne microplastics in the Southern Hemisphere. Two field studies were undertaken to assess the presence of airborne microplastics in Antarctica and New Zealand. Samples were collected from sites across the Ross Island region of Antarctica and a remote site in the Mackenzie District, New Zealand. Particles of interest were isolated in the laboratory prior to analysis by stereomicroscope and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Microplastics were characterised by polymer type, morphotype, colour and size. Microplastics were identified in all Antarctic snowfall samples at an average concentration of 29.4 particles L⁻¹ and maximum concentrations of 85 particles L⁻¹. Potential sources from both local and long-range transport were analysed, with local sources from research stations being identified as a main source of microplastics into this remote region. New Zealand samples identified low deposition rates at an average rate of 0.004 particles m⁻² day⁻¹. Both studies identified PET as the most common polymer and fibres as the most common morphotype. This research adds to the growing body of knowledge on anthropogenic influences on remote regions of the world. This thesis describes the negative impacts of microplastics on ecosystem health and function, human health, and their potential to influence atmospheric processes. The prevalence of microplastics in the regions investigated highlight the need to further our knowledge and take necessary actions to limit the negative impacts of microplastics.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Airborne microplastic concentrations in remote coastal environments
Researchers measured airborne microplastic concentrations at coastal sites in New Zealand near the Southern Ocean to assess whether sea-spray generates significant atmospheric plastic loads. Microplastics were detected at all coastal sampling locations despite the region's remoteness from plastic production, suggesting marine-to-atmosphere transfer is an important pathway even in pristine coastal environments.
Airborne microplastic pollution detected in the atmosphere of the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica
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.
Microplastics in Antarctic air: revealing current findings
This review examines the growing body of evidence on microplastic air pollution in Antarctica, one of the most remote places on Earth. Researchers found that both micro- and nanoplastics have been detected in Antarctic air, posing potential threats to this fragile ecosystem and its freshwater reserves. The study emphasizes that global action to reduce microplastic emissions is essential, since these particles can travel vast distances through the atmosphere.
Importance of atmospheric transport for microplastics deposited in remote areas
This study highlights atmospheric transport as a significant and underappreciated pathway for depositing micro- and nanoplastics in remote areas including mountain regions and polar zones far from plastic sources. Airborne plastic particles can travel thousands of kilometers before being deposited, explaining the presence of microplastics in seemingly pristine remote environments.
Airborne and marine microplastics in the Southern Ocean environment
Researchers collected atmospheric deposition and seawater samples during a voyage from New Zealand to the Ross Sea, Antarctica, and detected microplastics throughout the Southern Ocean, contributing rare data from one of the world's most remote regions to understanding atmospheric and marine plastic transport.