The sheer scale of Earth’s plastic problem has been laid bare in a new study.
Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have discovered microplastics in the snow near some of Antarctica’s deep field camps.
This is the first time these tiny pieces of plastic – some as small as a red blood cell – have been found in such remote locations.
An initial analysis suggests that the microplastics have come from local sources.
‘This could come from outdoor clothing, or the ropes and flags that are used to mark safe routes in and around the camp,’ said Dr Clara Manno, an ocean ecologist at BAS.
Worryingly, the implications of microplastics in this frozen wilderness remain unclear.
‘Despite stringent regulations on materials entering Antarctica, our findings reveal microplastic contamination even in remote and highly controlled areas,’ said Dr Kirstie Jones-Williams, co-author of the study.
‘This underscores the pervasive nature of plastic pollution—demonstrating that nowhere on Earth is truly untouched.’
Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have discovered microplastics in the snow near some of Antarctica’s deep field camps
This is the first time these tiny pieces of plastic – some as small as a red blood cell – have been found in such remote locations (stock image)
For the study, the researchers analysed samples collected from three field camps at the Union Glacier and the Schanz Glacier – two remote areas at the South Pole.
Previous studies have relied on scientists hand-picking particles and fibres out of samples for analysis.
Instead, the BAS team used a newer technique that involves melting snow through filter paper and scanning it at a higher resolution.
Their analysis revealed microplastics at concentrations ranging from 73 to 3,099 particles per liter of snow.
The vast majority (95 per cent) of the particles were smaller than 50 micrometres – the size of most human cells.
According to the researchers, this suggests previous studies may have underestimated the true extent of microplastic pollution in Antarctica, due to the less sensitive detection methods.
‘With these developing techniques, we’re now able to analyse microplastics of a much smaller size than before,’ said Dr Emily Rowlands, co-author of the study.
‘In fact, we found microplastic abundance in these snow samples to be 100 times higher than in previous studies of Antarctic snow samples.’
For the study, the researchers analysed samples collected from three field camps at the Union Glacier and the Schanz Glacier – two remote areas at the South Pole
An initial analysis suggests that the microplastics have come from local sources. Pictured: An example of an Antarctic field camp
Across all three sites, the researchers identified several common plastic types, including polyamide (used in textiles), polyethylene terephythalate (found in bottles and packaging), polyethylene, and synthetic rubber.
While the researchers believe the microplastics come from local sources, they admit that further research is needed to confirm this.
‘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,’ Dr Manno said.
Concerningly, the true implications of the microplastics are not yet fully understood.
Some previous studies have suggested that microplastics could cause snow to melt more quickly, while another revealed that the particles could be reducing the amount of carbon transported to the seafloor by krill.
Antarctica is also home to a range of animals including penguins, seals, and fish – many of which have already been found to contain microplastics.
The researchers hope the findings will help to shed light on the urgent need to slow the spread of plastic pollution worldwide.
‘Our research highlights the need to leverage existing Antarctic presence for sustained monitoring,’ Dr Jones-Williams added.
‘As the world seeks accountability through the United Nations Environment Assembly Global Plastics Treaty, regular assessments in such pristine environments could provide critical evidence for policy and action.’
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