For the first time, they were found microplastics in the snow just laid in the once uncontaminated land of Antarcticaand this not only highlights how much it is prolific pollution in the natural worldBut the researchers in the new study also argue that the presence of the plastic itself could accelerate the melting of snow and ice in the area.
As reported in the magazine The Cryospherethe scientists ofUniversity of Canterbury in New Zealand analyzed the fresh snow from 19 sites in theRoss Island in Antarctica and they found plastic particles in each sample.
On average, the amount of microplastics in the snow was 29 particles in a liter of melted snow, the most prolific of which was the PETthe plastic commonly used to make bottles of drinks and clothes.
“It is incredibly sad, but finding microplastics in the fresh snow of Antarctica highlights the extent of plastic pollution even in the most remote regions of the world”
stated in a note Alex Aves, lead author of the study and PhD student at the University of Canterbury.
Microplastics have previously been found in Antarctic sea ice, but this is the first time it has been reported in the cool snowfalls of Antarctica.
“Looking back now, I’m not surprised at all. From the studies published in recent years we have learned that wherever we look for airborne microplastics, we find them. “
added Dr. Laura Revell, author of the study and associate professor of environmental physics.
The severity of the discovery of microplastics in the snow of Antarctica
Previous searches they showed how microplastics can travel thousands of kilometers through the airwhich is likely how some of this microplastic got to the remote continent, but researchers believe the Antarctic microplastic also came from tourists and researchers visiting the continent.
It should also be noted that the highest concentrations of microplastics have been discovered close to the science bases of Ross Islandand the greatest concern is that the presence of microplastics in the snow of Antarctica could accelerate the melting of the region’s ice and snow.
But why? This is because the darker specks of microplastic could cause the snow and ice to darken, leading to greater absorption of sunlight and heat.
“Dark colored microplastics are likely to be more efficient in absorbing solar radiation than lighter colors and are of particular concern in the cryosphere as they can accelerate melting”
we read in the study.
There is also some concern about the impact microplastics could have on the region’s wildlife, with the study aiming for previous research which showed how the microplastics have already been found in the diets of a number of native penguin species.
Although the health risk is still not fully understood, a growing body of evidence is starting to show how microplastics can accumulate along marine food chains, along with the build-up of toxic chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A and others used in the process. of production.
Some studies have linked this to a number of harmful impacts on fish and other forms of aquatic lifeincluding reduced food intake, growth retardation, oxidative damage, and abnormal behavior.
“How will microplastics affect wildlife in the largest marine reserve on Earth, the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area? Answering these questions is urgent and essential if we want to act quickly to mitigate the impact of microplastics on the climate and the environment “
commented the Dr. Holly Wintona researcher in Antarctic ice core climatology at Victoria University of Wellington, who was not directly involved in the new research.
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