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@Olly42@nerdculture.deAntarctic Snow harbors Microplastics: New Technique uncovers hidden Pollution.
Scientists have discovered microplastics in the snow near some of Antarctica's deep field camps, revealing how far-reaching plastic pollution has become. While not new, it's the first time these tiny pieces of plastic have been found in remote locations.
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0048969725001779
![[ImageSource: Steve Gibbs, BAS]
A view over the Ellsworth Mountains, West Antarctica.
Dr. Emily Rowlands, a marine ecologist at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and co-author of the paper says, "With these developing techniques, we're now able to analyze microplastics of a much smaller size than before. In fact, we found microplastic abundance in these snow samples to be 100 times higher than in previous studies of Antarctic snow samples."
Dr. Clara Manno, an ocean ecologist at British Antarctic Survey, adds, "We think this means that there are local sources of plastic pollution, at least when it comes to polyamide. This could come from outdoor clothing, or the ropes and flags that are used to mark safe routes in and around the camp.
"We need to do more research to fully understand the sources of microplastic pollution in Antarctica—how much of it is local, and how much is transported over long distances so we can explore how best to reduce this plastic pollution in one of the most pristine places on Earth."
Some research suggests that microplastics could affect the snow's albedo (how much light it reflects) and how quickly it melts. It can also be transported to areas of ecological importance.](https://nerdculture.de/system/media_attachments/files/114/030/476/309/829/926/original/943bb2e3c5405732.jpeg "[ImageSource: Steve Gibbs, BAS]
A view over the Ellsworth Mountains, West Antarctica.
Dr. Emily Rowlands, a marine ecologist at British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and co-author of the paper says, \"With these developing techniques, we're now able to analyze microplastics of a much smaller size than before. In fact, we found microplastic abundance in these snow samples to be 100 times higher than in previous studies of Antarctic snow samples.\"
Dr. Clara Manno, an ocean ecologist at British Antarctic Survey, adds, \"We think this means that there are local sources of plastic pollution, at least when it comes to polyamide. This could come from outdoor clothing, or the ropes and flags that are used to mark safe routes in and around the camp.
\"We need to do more research to fully understand the sources of microplastic pollution in Antarctica—how much of it is local, and how much is transported over long distances so we can explore how best to reduce this plastic pollution in one of the most pristine places on Earth.\"
Some research suggests that microplastics could affect the snow's albedo (how much light it reflects) and how quickly it melts. It can also be transported to areas of ecological importance.")