We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic in the surface waters of the Ross Sea (Antarctica): Occurrence, distribution and characterization by FTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastic contamination in Antarctic Ross Sea surface waters, finding low concentrations averaging 0.17 particles per cubic meter and dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene fragments, using a non-invasive FTIR imaging method on dried filters that allows subsequent analysis of the same sample for other contaminants.
This is the first survey to investigate the occurrence and extent of microplastic (MPs) contamination in sub surface waters collected near-shore and off-shore the coastal area of the Ross Sea (Antarctica). Moreover, a non-invasive method to analyze MPs, consisting in filtration after water sampling and analysis of the dried filter through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) 2D Imaging, using an FPA detector, was proposed. The non-invasiveness of analytical set-up reduces potential bias and allows subsequent analysis of the filter sample for determination of other classes of contaminants. MPs ranged from 0.0032 to 1.18 particle per m of seawater, with a mean value of 0.17 ± 0.34 particle m, showing concentrations lower than those found in the oceans worldwide. MPs included fragments (mean 71.9 ± 21.6%), fibers (mean 12.7 ± 14.3%), and others (mean 15.4 ± 12.8%). The presence of different types of MPs was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, with predominant abundance of polyethylene and polypropylene. The potential environmental impact arising from scientific activities, such as marine activities for scientific purposes, and from the sewage treatment plant, was also evidenced.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Occurence in North Sea Surface Waters - Analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic occurrence in North Sea surface waters was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, documenting the types and concentrations of synthetic polymer particles across sampling stations. The study contributes to understanding the distribution of microplastics in a heavily trafficked semi-enclosed sea, and highlights the role of microplastics as vectors for persistent organic pollutants.
Microplastic Occurrence in biota-rich seawater samples of the Southern North Sea - Analysis by µ-FTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic occurrence was investigated in biota-rich seawater samples from the southern North Sea using micro-FTIR spectroscopy, detecting synthetic polymer particles across multiple size classes. The results add to evidence that microplastics are widespread even in productive coastal waters with high biological activity.
Microplastic contamination in east Antarctic sea ice
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed an ice core from East Antarctic land-fast sea ice using micro-FTIR spectroscopy, finding 96 microplastic particles dominated by polyester and polypropylene, providing direct evidence that microplastics are incorporated into Antarctic sea ice.
Floating microplastics in northern coastal waters of sri lanka: Quantification and characterization by FTIR
AI summary Read the abstract
Floating microplastics were detected in northern Sri Lanka's coastal waters for the first time, with FTIR spectroscopy identifying polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymer types. The study fills an important data gap for South Asian coastal waters and highlights inputs from local fishing, tourism, and domestic waste. Establishing baseline contamination data is a critical first step toward effective plastic pollution management in the region.
Quantification and Identification of Microplastics in Arctic Sea Ice
AI summary Read the abstract
This thesis quantified and identified microplastics in Arctic sea ice from the Fram Strait using focal plane array-based micro-FTIR spectroscopy, developing appropriate ice core preparation procedures as a first step in building knowledge about microplastic pollution in polar ice. The work fills a knowledge gap about plastic contamination in remote polar regions, where sea ice may trap and concentrate microplastics transported from distant sources.
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.