愛污传媒

Skip to main content

'It's incredibly sad': Researchers discover microplastics in fresh Antarctic snow

This January 2010 photo provided by Ian Joughin shows the area near the grounding line of the Pine Island Glacier along its west side in Antarctica. (Ian Joughin via AP) This January 2010 photo provided by Ian Joughin shows the area near the grounding line of the Pine Island Glacier along its west side in Antarctica. (Ian Joughin via AP)
Share
TORONTO -

For the first time, the presence of microplastics has been confirmed in freshly fallen Antarctic snow. Researchers at New Zealand鈥檚 University of Canterbury found microplastics in all 19 samples collected in Antarctica's Ross Island region.

The study, published Tuesday in the , found 13 different types of plastics during a fresh snowfall. The most common microplastic found was Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is used to make clothes or package food and soft drinks. On average, 29 microplastic particles were found per litre of snow.

are small pieces of plastic that can reach up to 5 millimetres in size. Despite their size, these pollutants can be environmentally damaging depending on the type of plastic and chemicals it contains.

Researchers were shocked, not only by the quantity of microplastics found, but by the remote locations of their discovery, including Antarctica's Ross Ice Shelf.

鈥淚t鈥檚 incredibly sad but finding microplastics in fresh Antarctic snow highlights the extent of plastic pollution into even the most remote regions of the world,鈥 Alex Aves PhD student at the university said in a

According to the study, airborne microplastics likely reached the continent by travelling distances of up to 6,000km. However, it is likely that human activity contributed to the pollution.

New Zealand鈥檚 environmental adviser Natasha Gardiner said in a press release said this study will help push for policy change to reduce plastic pollution.

We can use this information to reduce plastic pollution at its source and inform our broader environmental management practices,鈥 she said.

The study was submitted to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting for further inspection into the plastics environmental impact. 

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

BREAKING

BREAKING

Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.

Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'

A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

A northeastern Ontario jury has started deliberating in Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial, we can now tell you what they weren't allowed to hear.

At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building in Old Montreal early Friday morning, sources told Noovo Info.

Local Spotlight

Chantal Kreviazuk is set to return to Winnipeg to mark a major milestone in her illustrious musical career.

From the beaches of Cannes to the bustling streets of New York City, a new film by a trio of Manitoba directors has toured the international film festival circuit to much pomp and circumstance.

A husband and wife have been on the road trip of a lifetime and have decided to stop in Saskatchewan for the winter.

The grave of a previously unknown Canadian soldier has been identified as a man from Hayfield, Man. who fought in the First World War.

A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.

Moving into the second week of October, the eastern half of Canada can expect some brisker fall air to break down from the north

What does New Westminster's t蓹m蓹sew虛tx史 Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.

The last living member of the legendary Vancouver Asahi baseball team, Kaye Kaminishi, died on Saturday, Sept. 28, surrounded by family. He was 102 years old.

New data from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley shows a surge in supply and drop in demand in the region's historically hot real estate market.