Antarctica
has
traditionally
been
viewed
as
a
relatively
isolated
ecosystem.
Although
still
considered
pristine,
it
is
increasingly
also
being
affected
by
microplastic
pollution.
Reported
high
sea
floor
concentrations
raise
concern
that
these
ecosystems
might
act
major
sink
for
This
significant
species
in
those
remote
are
likely
more
sensitive
to
rapid
environmental
change
due
level
of
specialization,
and
lower
tolerance
levels.
Microplastic
ingestion
fish
barely
assessed
latitude
environments.
Here
we
aimed
provide
baseline
data
the
eastern
Weddell
Sea,
which
particularly
remote,
suggested
an
area
conservation.
By
analyzing
gastrointestinal
tracts
40
specimens
from
five
species,
report
overall
incidence
rate
0.23.
than
recent
studies
have
found
other
Southern
Ocean,
below
global
means.
The
highest
was
detected
L.
squamifrons
(0.67),
followed
P.
evansii
(0.29).
most
common
polymer
polyethylene
recovered
8
particles
(42.1%)
one
specimen,
while
remaining
11
microplastics
polyester
(36.8%).
The Science of The Total Environment,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
918, P. 170618 - 170618
Published: Feb. 6, 2024
The
stomach
content
of
60
krill
specimens
from
the
Southern
Ocean
were
analyzed
for
presence
microplastic
(MP),
by
testing
different
sample
volumes,
extraction
approaches,
and
applying
hyperspectral
imaging
Fourier-transform
infrared
spectroscopy
(μFTIR).
Strict
quality
control
was
applied
on
generated
results.
A
high
load
residual
materials
in
pooled
samples
hampered
analysis
avoided
a
reliable
determination
putative
MP
particles.
Individual
stomachs
displayed
results,
however,
only
after
re-treating
with
hydrogen
peroxide.
Before
this
treatment,
lipid
rich
residues
resulted
false
assignments
polymer
categories
hence,
particle
numbers.
Finally,
identified
4
out
60,
one
per
stomach.
Our
study
highlights
importance
strict
to
verify
results
before
coming
final
decision
contamination
environment
aid
establishment
suitable
internationally
standardized
protocols
sampling
organisms
including
their
habitats
worldwide.
The Science of The Total Environment,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
946, P. 174320 - 174320
Published: June 26, 2024
Antarctica
has
traditionally
been
viewed
as
a
relatively
isolated
ecosystem.
Although
still
considered
pristine,
it
is
increasingly
also
being
affected
by
microplastic
pollution.
Reported
high
sea
floor
concentrations
raise
concern
that
these
ecosystems
might
act
major
sink
for
This
significant
species
in
those
remote
are
likely
more
sensitive
to
rapid
environmental
change
due
level
of
specialization,
and
lower
tolerance
levels.
Microplastic
ingestion
fish
barely
assessed
latitude
environments.
Here
we
aimed
provide
baseline
data
the
eastern
Weddell
Sea,
which
particularly
remote,
suggested
an
area
conservation.
By
analyzing
gastrointestinal
tracts
40
specimens
from
five
species,
report
overall
incidence
rate
0.23.
than
recent
studies
have
found
other
Southern
Ocean,
below
global
means.
The
highest
was
detected
L.
squamifrons
(0.67),
followed
P.
evansii
(0.29).
most
common
polymer
polyethylene
recovered
8
particles
(42.1
%)
one
specimen,
while
remaining
11
microplastics
polyester
(36.8
%).
study
shows
even
region
Antarctic
Ocean
with
almost
no
vessel
traffic,
fisheries
or
touristic
activity,
bathydemersal
bathypelagic
exhibit
their
tract.
Environmental Pollution,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
351, P. 124086 - 124086
Published: April 29, 2024
Marine
microdebris
(MD)
seem
to
be
widespread
in
benthic
invertebrates,
even
the
most
remote
areas
of
planet
such
as
Antarctica,
although
information
available
is
still
very
scarce.
Here
we
provide
a
detailed
quantification
and
characterization
MD
found
on
three
common
bivalve
species
(Aequiyoldia
eightsii,
Thracia
cf.
meridionalis,
Cyclocardia
astartoides)
inhabiting
shallow
Johnsons'
Bay,
Livingston
Island
(South
Shetland
Islands,
Antarctica)
snapshot
present.
On
average,
these
bivalves
contained
0.71
±
0.89
items
per
individual
1.49
2.35
gram,
being
comparable
few
previous
existing
studies
other
Antarctic
areas.
Nearly
half
organisms
analysed
here
(45.6
%),
at
least
one
item.
No
significant
differences
were
species.
As
far
know,
this
first
study
analyse
compare
Peninsula.
Although
our
results
indicate
are
not
polluted
planet,
remarkable
since
considered
last
pristine
world.
Our
point
local
activities
main
source
pollution
Island,
global
cannot
discarded.
We
believe
research
provides
useful
baseline
for
future
will
contribute
develop
policies
strategies
preserve
marine
ecosystems
from
pollution.
