Microplastics Found Deep in Antarctic Ice for the First Time

Plastic has spread to all corners of the world, both in cities and villages. Despite various efforts, the presence of plastic cannot be stopped. Recently, scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have discovered small plastic particles or microplastics in remote areas of Antarctica. They claim that microplastics have been found for the first time in the ice deep in Antarctica. It is believed that these microplastics came from a local source.

The impact of microplastics in the frozen region is still unclear to scientists. “There are strict rules to enter Antarctica, but we have found evidence of microplastic pollution in remote and highly controlled areas,” said Kirsty Jones-Williams, a scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. “The presence of plastic is proof that plastic is now everywhere on Earth.”

Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey collected samples from the Union Glacier and Shanz Glacier areas of Antarctica for the study. Then, they thawed the samples through filter paper and scanned them. The study found that there were between 73 and 3,099 tiny plastic particles per liter of snow.

Most of these particles are smaller than 50 micrometers. In this regard, scientist Emily Rowlands said, “With the help of the new technique, we are now able to analyze microplastics at much smaller sizes than before.”

Scientist Clara Manno said the plastics could come from people’s clothing, as well as from ropes and flags used to safely mark routes in and around camps. More research is needed to fully understand the sources of microplastic pollution in Antarctica. Strategies to reduce this plastic pollution also need to be found.