Environmental degradation and loss of polyester marker flags are major sources of localized plastic pollution in the Antarctic DOI
Nadia Frontier,

Jo Hazel Cole,

Kevin A. Hughes

et al.

Antarctic Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 9

Published: May 15, 2025

Abstract Reducing plastic pollution of the Antarctic environment is a priority for Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and Council Managers National Programs (COMNAP). Polyester flags mounted on bamboo poles are commonly used by governmental tourism operators as markers safe travel routes, scientific equipment depots in snow-covered areas. Polar environmental conditions can rapidly degrade polyester flags, resulting release into environment. This study aimed to quantify degree flag degradation investigate alternative, less polluting types. Pre-weighed four types - standard polyester, hemmed organic cotton canvas Ventile ${}^\circledR $ (a tight-weave fabric) were deployed close Rothera Research Station, Peninsula, from February 2023 January 2024, after which any changes weight recorded. On average, each lost 25.5% (± error (SE) 0.8) its weight, equating 8.3 g environment; however, hemming reduced this loss 13.3% SE 3.7). was almost durable unhemmed (loss 26.9% 3.8)), whereas least 44.1% 4.3)). Switching would prevent annual > kg around potentially ~300 across all operator activities. conservative estimate compared potential additional 800 that could be due high proportion not being recovered. Further investigations identify cost-effective sustainable materials recommended comply with ATCM COMNAP recommendations concerning management Antarctica.

Language: Английский

Microplastic contamination and biological alterations in Atlantic wild fish populations, and human health risks associated to fillet consumption DOI Creative Commons
Sara Couto Lourenço, Alexandre Aleluia, Luís Gabriel A. Barboza

et al.

Marine Environmental Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 208, P. 107139 - 107139

Published: April 12, 2025

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Environmental degradation and loss of polyester marker flags are major sources of localized plastic pollution in the Antarctic DOI
Nadia Frontier,

Jo Hazel Cole,

Kevin A. Hughes

et al.

Antarctic Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 9

Published: May 15, 2025

Abstract Reducing plastic pollution of the Antarctic environment is a priority for Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and Council Managers National Programs (COMNAP). Polyester flags mounted on bamboo poles are commonly used by governmental tourism operators as markers safe travel routes, scientific equipment depots in snow-covered areas. Polar environmental conditions can rapidly degrade polyester flags, resulting release into environment. This study aimed to quantify degree flag degradation investigate alternative, less polluting types. Pre-weighed four types - standard polyester, hemmed organic cotton canvas Ventile ${}^\circledR $ (a tight-weave fabric) were deployed close Rothera Research Station, Peninsula, from February 2023 January 2024, after which any changes weight recorded. On average, each lost 25.5% (± error (SE) 0.8) its weight, equating 8.3 g environment; however, hemming reduced this loss 13.3% SE 3.7). was almost durable unhemmed (loss 26.9% 3.8)), whereas least 44.1% 4.3)). Switching would prevent annual > kg around potentially ~300 across all operator activities. conservative estimate compared potential additional 800 that could be due high proportion not being recovered. Further investigations identify cost-effective sustainable materials recommended comply with ATCM COMNAP recommendations concerning management Antarctica.

Language: Английский

Citations

0