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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
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Microplastics in the Southern Ocean.

Atsuhiko Isobe1, Kaori Uchiyama-Matsumoto2, Keiichi Uchida3

  • 1Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga-Koen, Kasuga 816-8580, Japan.

Marine Pollution Bulletin
|October 1, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Microplastic pollution was surveyed in the Southern Ocean. Near Antarctica, microplastic concentrations reached approximately 100,000 pieces per square kilometer in the water column.

Keywords:
ConcentrationMesoplasticsMicroplasticsTotal particle count

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Oceanography
  • Marine Biology

Background:

  • Microplastics (<5mm) are pervasive environmental contaminants.
  • Understanding microplastic distribution is crucial for assessing marine ecosystem health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify microplastic concentrations in the Southern Ocean.
  • To estimate the total microplastic load in the water column near Antarctica.

Main Methods:

  • Field survey conducted in the Southern Ocean in 2016.
  • Five net-tows collected microplastic samples.
  • Calculated total particle counts using surface concentration, wind speed, and wave height.

Main Results:

  • 44 plastic pieces were collected during the survey.
  • Estimated microplastic concentrations near Antarctica were ~100,000 pieces/km².
  • Water column particle counts were computed for areas without vertical mixing.

Conclusions:

  • The Southern Ocean, particularly near Antarctica, harbors significant microplastic pollution.
  • Methodology provides a means to estimate microplastic loads in oceanic regions.
  • Further research is needed to understand the ecological impacts of these findings.