White and wonderful? Microplastics prevail in snow from the Alps to the Arctic

White and wonderful? Microplastics prevail in snow from the Alps to the Arctic

14 August 2019 | Melanie Bergmann, Sophia Mützel, Sebastian Primpke, Mine B. Tekman, Jürg Trachsel, Gunnar Gerds
This study investigates the presence and concentration of microplastics (MPs) in snow samples from various locations, including the Arctic and Europe. MPs were detected in all but one of the 21 snow samples analyzed, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 154 × 10³ N liter⁻¹ in European snow and 0 to 14.4 × 10³ N liter⁻¹ in Arctic snow. The polymer composition varied, with varnish, rubber, polyethylene, and polyamide being the most common. The study highlights that atmospheric transport and deposition can be significant pathways for MPs to reach the Arctic, despite the region's remote location. The results suggest that MPs and microfibers in snow indicate significant air pollution and emphasize the need for further research on their health implications for humans and wildlife.This study investigates the presence and concentration of microplastics (MPs) in snow samples from various locations, including the Arctic and Europe. MPs were detected in all but one of the 21 snow samples analyzed, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 154 × 10³ N liter⁻¹ in European snow and 0 to 14.4 × 10³ N liter⁻¹ in Arctic snow. The polymer composition varied, with varnish, rubber, polyethylene, and polyamide being the most common. The study highlights that atmospheric transport and deposition can be significant pathways for MPs to reach the Arctic, despite the region's remote location. The results suggest that MPs and microfibers in snow indicate significant air pollution and emphasize the need for further research on their health implications for humans and wildlife.
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