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Microplastic Pollution in Antarctic Environments
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This review examines microplastic pollution in Antarctic environments, summarizing evidence that even this remote continent has been contaminated by plastic particles, with implications for its unique fauna, influence on global climate systems, and value as a pristine scientific reference site.
Antarctica, the southernmost continent on Earth, is a unique and critical region for scientific research due to its extreme environment, significant influence on global climate systems, and unique fauna (Fig. 7.1) [1]. This vast, icy expanse, covering an area of approximately 14 million square kilometres, holds around 70% of the world’s fresh water in its massive ice sheets [2]. Despite its harsh conditions, Antarctica plays a vital role in Earth’s climate regulation, ocean circulation, and global sea level. The continent’s remote and pristine ecosystems provide an exceptional scenario for climate change, glaciology, and marine biology research, offering insights into both historical climate patterns and future environmental shifts.
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Plastic occurrence, sources, and impacts in Antarctic environment and biota
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Researchers reviewed evidence of plastic pollution in Antarctica, finding microplastics — mostly fibers — in sea ice, ocean water, sediments, and both marine and land animals, raising concern that even the most remote ecosystems on Earth are contaminated and that biodiversity and ecosystem functions may be at risk.
Microplastics in the Antarctic marine system: An emerging area of research
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This paper reviewed microplastics research in the Antarctic marine system, identifying it as an emerging research area and documenting the first evidence of microplastic contamination in this remote polar environment.
Exploring potential effects of microplastic contamination in Antarctic soils
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Researchers reviewed the potential effects of microplastic contamination in Antarctic soils, synthesizing available evidence on microplastic occurrence, polymer composition, and ecological impacts in one of Earth's most pristine terrestrial environments. The review found that microplastics are present even in remote Antarctic soil ecosystems and may pose risks to soil invertebrates and microbial communities that underpin fragile polar food webs.
Occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in Antarctica and its impact on the health of organisms
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This review summarizes existing research on microplastic pollution in Antarctica, covering how these tiny plastic particles reach even the most remote environments through fishing, tourism, and ocean currents. Despite Antarctica being considered pristine, microplastics have been found in both water and sediment across the region. The findings highlight that no place on Earth is free from microplastic contamination, raising concerns about effects on wildlife and ecosystems that are connected to global food chains.
Pollution Has No Borders: Microplastics in Antarctica
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This review documents the spread of microplastics throughout Antarctica -- in seawater, sediments, freshwater lakes, snow, glaciers, and marine organisms -- despite the continent having minimal local pollution sources. The findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination is truly global, reaching even the most isolated ecosystems on Earth through atmospheric and ocean currents.
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.