Microplastics were discovered in the Alps and even in human blood. Researchers have now discovered contaminated plastics in fresh Antarctic snow.
“The first discovery of plastic particles in human blood vessels” was the topic of microplastics in the body.
The researchers reported their findings based on samples collected in 2019.
“Sadly, the discovery of microplastics in fresh Antarctic snow highlights the extent of plastic pollution even in the most remote parts of the world.”
Environmental scientist Alex Aves, co-author of the new study, says:
The findings show that tiny plastic particles are reaching even the most remote areas of the world.
Unexpected discovery of microplastics in Antarctica
Aves and her team collected 19 fresh snow samples from various locations in Antarctica Ross.
Six samples came from nearby research sites and the other 13 samples were collected in remote areas that are rarely disturbed by humans.
Environmental physicist Laura Revell, who co-authored the project and guided Aves, said she hoped remote areas would be less polluted.
Alex Aves “While traveling to Antarctica, you can also find microplastics in clean, remote areas.”
“They were asked to collect snow samples at Scott Base and McMurdo Station Roads. Surprisingly, up to 29 particles per liter of melted snow were found in the samples.
The impact can be widespread
Researchers have found that microplastics are found all over the world, including living things.
It is not clear how microplastics affect the environment and living things.
“Exposure to microplastics can lead to growth retardation,” the researchers said. “It can have a negative effect on reproductive and biological functions.”
The fragments are made up of bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It can harm all species, including algae and invertebrates, in the air or through water.
The potential effects of microplastics on pollution are not limited to social systems.
Smaller particles can store more heat energy from sunlight than normal snow, and Most of the solar energy is reflected back into space.
When they enter the air, they can change the atmosphere by giving more space for tiny crystals of ice crystals.
Revell says he is not surprised by the results. “According to a study published a few years ago, we find tiny plastics everywhere in the atmosphere,” she said.
Climate change Despite serious warnings from major authorities on air pollution and the viability of our ecosystem
As the human industry continues to expand, Researchers have lamented that microplastics in Antarctica are the latest in a long line of unfortunate discoveries.