No Place on Earth Is Free from Microplastic Pollution, Study Finds
Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have discovered microplastics in the snow near deep-field camps in Antarctica. While microplastics have been found in many regions, this is the first time they have been detected in such a remote location.
The research team analyzed snow samples collected from three field camps near Union Glacier and Schanz Glacierin Antarctica. Their findings showed between 73 and 3,099 microplastic particles per liter of snow. Alarmingly, 95% of these particles were smaller than 50 µm, making them even tinier than human cells.
Microplastics Are More Widespread Than Previously Thought
Scientists believe that previous studies may have underestimated the extent of microplastic pollution in Antarcticadue to less sensitive detection methods. "With advances in technology, we can now detect much smaller microplastic particles than before," the researchers noted.
For this study, the team melted the snow using filter paper and scanned it at a higher resolution, allowing them to detect even the smallest plastic fragments. They identified several common types of plastic in all three field camps, including polyamide (used in textiles), polyethylene terephthalate (found in bottles and packaging), polyethylene, and synthetic rubber.
Dr. Clara Manno, a marine ecologist at BAS, stated, "These microplastics may have come from outdoor clothing or from ropes and flags used to mark safe routes around the camps."
Unclear Impact, but Growing Concerns
One of the biggest concerns is the uncertain impact of microplastics on the Antarctic ecosystem. Some studies suggest that microplastics could accelerate snowmelt, while others indicate they might reduce the amount of carbon transported to the seafloor by krill. Microplastics have already been detected in many Antarctic species, including penguins, seals, and fish.
The researchers suspect that some microplastics came from local sources, but further studies are needed to confirm this. "We need to determine how many of these plastic particles traveled long distances rather than being deposited locally," they explained. "Only then can we develop strategies to reduce plastic pollution in one of the cleanest places on Earth, Antarctica."