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Antarctic threats: anthropogenic microfibers and plasticizers in the scallop Adamussium colbecki from the Ross Sea
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This study detected microplastics in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, measuring plastic particle concentrations in blood and tissues exposed to extracorporeal circulation equipment. The findings raise concerns about iatrogenic microplastic exposure during cardiac surgery procedures.
Antarctica is increasingly impacted by anthropogenic pollutants, including microplastics (MPs) and associated plastic additives. This study presents the first integrated assessment of microfibres (MFs) and plasticizers in the Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki , a key benthic species in the Ross Sea. A total of 54 MFs were isolated from 12 samples, with an average of 4.5 ± 2.7 MFs/individual, higher than previously reported for bivalves in the region. Characterized MFs were natural (cotton, wool, cellulose), semi-synthetic, or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), showing strong similarities with textiles used by personnel at the nearby scientific research station. Tissue-specific differences suggest distinct exposure pathways, particularly via filtration in scallop’s gills and accumulation in the mantle. Co-occurrence of plastic additives like phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DiBP/DnBP), organophosphate esters (e.g., TPHP) and non-phthalate plasticizers (e.g., DEHA), was confirmed in both scallops and outdoor technical clothing, reinforcing the hypothesis that textile-derived MFs act as chemical vectors. Notably, several additive concentrations in A.colbecki exceeded levels reported for bivalves in other global regions, indicating a potential combination of local and long-range sources of contamination. These findings highlight the susceptibility of Antarctic coastal ecosystems to emerging contaminants coming from both local sources and long-range transport and underscore the urgent need for improved wastewater management practices and mitigation strategies within polar research infrastructures. • Microfibers and plastic additives found in the sentinel species A.colbecki • Tissue-specific microfiber accumulation indicates specific exposure pathways • Research station activities as a potential local source of contamination
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Researchers detected textile microfibers in wild Antarctic whelk specimens collected from Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea, one of the world's largest marine protected areas. The study provides evidence that microplastic contamination from both global long-range transport and local human activities has reached even remote Antarctic benthic ecosystems.
Anthropogenic fibers contamination in the Antarctic sea urchin Sterechinus neumayeri and the scallop Adamussium colbecki from Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers inside sea urchins and scallops living in Antarctica's Ross Sea, one of the most remote and protected ocean areas on Earth. This shows that plastic pollution has spread even to places far from cities and factories, meaning it's now entering the food chain in ecosystems we thought were pristine. Since these creatures are eaten by other marine life (and some seafood eventually reaches our plates), the findings are a reminder that microplastic contamination is a global problem with potential ripple effects on food safety everywhere.
Recent trends on microplastics abundance and risk assessment in coastal Antarctica: Regional meta-analysis
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Microplastic pollution was detected throughout Antarctic waters, sediments, and biota, with fibers comprising 50-61% of particles across matrices. Roughly 85% of Antarctic sediment sites and 60% of marine organisms were classified at extreme ecological risk, with the Ross Sea showing the highest contamination due to PVC from research station wastewater and personal care products.
Detection of plastic, cellulosic micro-fragments and microfibers in Laternula elliptica from King George Island (Maritime Antarctica)
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Researchers found plastic and cellulose microfibers in every single clam sampled near research stations in Antarctica, with an average of 43 particles per individual. The plastic types identified included PET, acrylic, and polyethylene, likely originating from research station wastewater, fishing gear, and tourism. The finding that microplastic contamination has reached even remote Antarctic marine organisms underscores how pervasive this pollution has become worldwide.
Hidden threat: microplastics interaction with Antarctic benthic invertebrates
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Researchers exposed three Antarctic benthic species, including a bivalve, to polyethylene microbeads to quantify ingestion rates and characterize microplastic interactions in Southern Ocean invertebrates, finding that these remote organisms ingest microplastics and highlighting significant gaps in understanding ecological consequences for Antarctic benthic biodiversity.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.