Talk about the observer effect! Scientists studying microplastic contamination in remote Antarctica found a significant amount actually came from their own ship.
University of Basel-led experts filtered eight million litres of water from the remote Weddell Sea to determine the levels and origins of microplastic contamination.The team studied 101 particles in detail, and found that 89 per cent came from their own ship.
The findings suggest that shipping is a key driver of Antarctic plastic pollution, and highlight the need for a more environmentally-friendly marine paint, according to the team.
Most previous investigations into the extent of microplastic pollution in Antarctica had been conducted in relatively less remote areas — those with more people, research stations and shipping traffic.
For the new study, which was conducted by environmental scientist Clara Leistenschneider of the University of Basel and colleagues, the team wanted to see if significantly lower concentrations would be found in the remote Weddell Sea.
The researchers undertook two expeditions to the area onboard the research vessel Polarstern — one in 2018, the next the following year — during which they took 34 samples of surface water and 79 subsurface samples for analysis.
After filtering eight million litres of seawater, the team found concentrations of microplastics that, while small, were only slightly lower than those recorded in other, more frequented, parts of the continent.
'This is the first time a study of this scope has been conducted in Antarctica,' explained Ms Leistenschneider, adding that the study went further than just assessing microplastics concentrations in the Weddell Sea. Mail Online - link - the brilliant Ian Randall - link - University of Basel - link - more like this - link
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