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Distribution and impacts of microplastic incorporation within sea ice
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Researchers experimentally incorporated microplastics into sea ice to investigate their distribution and impact on ice properties, finding that microplastics concentrate within sea ice at levels far exceeding surface seawater and that their presence alters the physical and optical properties of the ice.
Microplastics (plastic particles <5 mm) are an emerging concern in Arctic sea ice with measured concentrations orders of magnitude higher than in surface seawater. However, incorporation of microplastics into sea ice, and their impact on sea ice properties, is unknown. We added microplastic particles in a microcosm experiment to determine microplastic distributions and effects on sea ice properties. Microplastic additions did not affect sea ice growth, but high concentrations of microplastics at the ice surface resulted in high ice salinity and changes in sea ice albedo. Field studies in the Gulf of Bothnia (Baltic Sea) showed sea ice concentration of microplastics from 8 to 41 particles per liter of melted ice, wich were much lower than those found to impact sea ice properties in the microcosm experiments. However, should microplastic concentrations increase, microplastic incorporation in sea ice may impact sea ice albedo.
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Physical processes behind interactions of microplastic particles with natural ice
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Researchers investigated the physical processes governing microplastic incorporation into sea ice, finding that particle size, density, and surface properties — combined with ice crystal growth dynamics — determine whether microplastics concentrate in brine channels or become entrapped in the ice matrix.
Microplastics in sea ice: A fingerprint of bubble flotation
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Researchers ran controlled laboratory experiments on ice formation from fresh and saltwater to understand how bubble flotation drives microplastic incorporation and concentration in sea ice, finding that bubbles entrain plastic particles during freezing and explain the unexpectedly high and compositionally distinct microplastic loads found in sea ice.
Entrainment and Enrichment of Microplastics in Ice Formation Processes: Implications for the Transport of Microplastics in Cold Regions
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Researchers investigated how microplastic properties and environmental conditions affect their entrainment and enrichment during ice formation, finding that sea ice selectively concentrates microplastics and can serve as both a temporary sink and a transport medium in cold regions.
Identification and Quantification of Microplastics in Arctic Sea Ice North of Svalbard
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Researchers identified and quantified microplastics in Arctic sea ice north of Svalbard, finding microplastic particles encased in sea ice at concentrations consistent with prior studies in the region. The work contributes to documenting the extent of plastic pollution in one of the world's most remote and climatically sensitive environments.
Microplastics may affect how Arctic sea ice forms and melts
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A commentary highlights that rising levels of ocean microplastics may be altering the physical and chemical properties of Arctic sea ice, though more research is urgently needed to understand how this could affect polar ecosystems and climate feedbacks.
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.