We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Arctic sea ice is an important temporal sink and means of transport for microplastic
AI summary Read the abstract
This study showed that Arctic sea ice acts as a significant temporary reservoir for microplastics, trapping particles that are then released when ice melts, making sea ice both a sink and a transport mechanism for microplastic pollution.
Microplastics (MP) are recognized as a growing environmental hazard and have been identified as far as the remote Polar Regions, with particularly high concentrations of microplastics in sea ice. Little is known regarding the horizontal variability of MP within sea ice and how the underlying water body affects MP composition during sea ice growth. Here we show that sea ice MP has no uniform polymer composition and that, depending on the growth region and drift paths of the sea ice, unique MP patterns can be observed in different sea ice horizons. Thus even in remote regions such as the Arctic Ocean, certain MP indicate the presence of localized sources. Increasing exploitation of Arctic resources will likely lead to a higher MP load in the Arctic sea ice and will enhance the release of MP in the areas of strong seasonal sea ice melt and the outflow gateways.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Arctic sea ice: a prime temporary sink for (micro-)plastics and a medium of transport
AI summary Read the abstract
This study found that Arctic sea ice contains high concentrations of microplastics, acting as a temporary sink that accumulates plastic from the water column — with concern that rapid sea ice loss due to climate change will release these stored particles back into the ocean.
Modelling the accumulation and transport of microplastics by Arctic sea ice
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled the accumulation and transport of microplastics by Arctic sea ice over a 50-year simulation, finding that sea ice acts as a major temporary reservoir that concentrates and redistributes plastic particles across the Arctic basin. The model predicts that ongoing sea ice decline will alter microplastic transport pathways and release stored particles into the water column.
Importance of seasonal sea ice in the western Arctic ocean to the Arctic and global microplastic budgets
AI summary Read the abstract
This study quantified the role of western Arctic sea ice as a seasonal sink and transport vector for microplastics, finding that atmospheric deposition and sea ice dynamics contribute significantly to the regional and global microplastic budget.
Entrainment and Enrichment of Microplastics in Ice Formation Processes: Implications for the Transport of Microplastics in Cold Regions
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Modeling the Accumulation and Transport of Microplastics by Sea Ice
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used numerical modeling to examine how positively and neutrally buoyant microplastics accumulate in and are transported by Arctic and Southern Ocean sea ice, finding that sea ice acts as a significant seasonal reservoir and redistribution mechanism for microplastic pollution in polar regions.
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.