First detection of microplastics in the freshwater of an Antarctic Specially Protected Area

Abstract

Microplastics have been found in all environmental compartments investigated so far, even reaching remote areas. However, their presence in Antarctic freshwaters has not been yet reported. Here, we investigated the occurrence of microplastics in a stream from an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island - ASPA No. 126), which is subject to stringent environmental protection measures as a result of which it is considered a pristine international reference site for inland waters research. Our results showed the presence of three types of microplastics in a freshwater seasonal stream, namely four polyester fibers, one black and three transparent; two acrylic fibers, one transparent and one red; and two transparent polytetrafluoroethylene films. The length and width of these fibers and films were in the 400-3546 μm (average 1118 μm), and 10-1026 μm (average 199 μm) ranges respectively. The concentration of MP was 0.95 items/1000 m³ with estimated variability in the 0.47-1.43 items/1000 m³ range. This is the first report of the presence of microplastics in Antarctic freshwater with the uniqueness that it is an Antarctic Specially Protected Area, meaning that plastic pollution reached even the most remote and pristine environments in the planet.

Keywords: Antarctic specially protected area; Antarctica; Byers Peninsula; Freshwater; Microplastics.