A scientific investigation has revealed the first historical record of plastic pollution in the seabed of Greenland, specifically in Disko Bay.
The data, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, show a progressive increase in the accumulation of microplastics since the 1950s, linked to local socioeconomic development.
Research Methodology
- Researchers drilled the seabed at a depth of 850 meters, extracting sedimentary cores dated using radionuclides.
- Through the chemical analysis of microplastics, they correlated their composition with a library of known plastics, building a historical record of pollution.
Impacts of Socioeconomic Development
The study found a relationship between construction projects and socioeconomic events in Greenland and the increases in plastics in the seabed.
According to Dr. Karla Parga Martínez, this information can help reassess the sources of plastic pollution and improve mitigation strategies.
Evidence of the Anthropocene
The accumulation of plastics in remote areas like Greenland reinforces the debate about the so-called “Anthropocene”, a term that describes how human activities have left a geological mark on the planet. Although not officially recognized as a geological period yet, this discovery provides tangible evidence for that discussion.
This research emphasizes the need to address plastic pollution as a global issue, highlighting its scope even in the most remote ecosystems.
Microplastics in Antarctica
On the other side of the planet, the issue of plastic pollution is equally concerning according to a study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.
The study used an innovative technique to detect microplastics as small as 11 micrometers (approximately the size of a red blood cell) in the snow of Antarctica. The findings have surprised the team, as microplastics were found in concentrations ranging from 73 to 3099 particles per liter of snow.
In the three sites where researchers collected snow samples, common types of plastic were identified such as polyamide (used in textiles), polyethylene terephthalate (found in bottles and packaging), polyethylene, and synthetic rubber.
Cover photo: Weekend
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