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Scientists have for the first time found microplastics in freshly fallen Antarctic snow.
Researchers from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand collected samples from 19 sites in Antarctica and each contained tiny plastic fragments.
Microplastics stem from the erosion of plastic materials and are smaller than a grain of rice - sometimes even invisible to the naked eye.
The researchers found an average of 29 particles per litre of melted snow.
They identified 13 different types of plastics and the most common was polyethylene terephthalate (PET), mostly used in soft-drink bottles and clothing. This was found in 79% of the samples.
www.bbc.com
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This is becoming a huge issue. From huge plastic garbage patches in the ocean to plastic beads washing up on beaches. Microplastics being found in peoples
blood and now the Antarctic is even starting to see effects from all the plastic. Most plastic is not even recyclable. The world needs to somehow address this
issue soon or it is going to become a grave environmental concern.
Researchers from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand collected samples from 19 sites in Antarctica and each contained tiny plastic fragments.
Microplastics stem from the erosion of plastic materials and are smaller than a grain of rice - sometimes even invisible to the naked eye.
The researchers found an average of 29 particles per litre of melted snow.
They identified 13 different types of plastics and the most common was polyethylene terephthalate (PET), mostly used in soft-drink bottles and clothing. This was found in 79% of the samples.
Microplastics found in fresh Antarctic snow
Scientists say microplastic pollution, found for the first time in fresh Antarctic snow, is potentially harmful.
www.bbc.com
-------------------------------
This is becoming a huge issue. From huge plastic garbage patches in the ocean to plastic beads washing up on beaches. Microplastics being found in peoples
blood and now the Antarctic is even starting to see effects from all the plastic. Most plastic is not even recyclable. The world needs to somehow address this
issue soon or it is going to become a grave environmental concern.
