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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
10:16
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
50.1K
Microplastic variability in subsurface water from the Arctic to Antarctica
Svetlana Pakhomova1, Anfisa Berezina2, Amy L Lusher3
1Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway; P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 10, 2022
Summary
Standardized methods reveal microplastic (MP) variations across global oceans. While MP abundance was similar, differences in size, polymer type, and weight concentration were observed between hemispheres, indicating distinct pollution sources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
Background:
- Comparative studies of global ocean microplastic (MP) occurrence are challenging due to varied methodologies.
- A unified sampling and analytical approach is crucial for accurate regional MP assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microplastic (MP) occurrence and characteristics across diverse oceanic regions using a consistent methodology.
- To assess regional differences in MP abundance, size, morphology, polymer types, and weight concentrations.
- To identify potential sources of MP pollution in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Main Methods:
- Collected 121 subsurface water samples (100 μm-5 mm) across five global ocean regions during five cruises.
- Utilized a consistent underway pump-through system on two different vessels for sampling.
- Analyzed MP characteristics including abundance, size, morphology, polymer types, and weight concentrations.
Main Results:
- Average MP abundance was 0.7 ± 0.6 items/m³, with no statistical difference between regions.
- Significant differences were found in MP size, morphology, polymer types, and weight concentrations across regions.
- The Central Atlantic and Barents Sea showed higher MP weight concentrations (7-7.5 μg/m³) compared to the North Atlantic and Siberian Arctic (0.6 μg/m³).
- Northern Hemisphere waters had higher fiber pollution, suggesting terrestrial input, while Southern Hemisphere pollution was linked to offshore industries.
- Fibers showed long-range transport potential via air and water, unlike fragments, which remained localized.
Conclusions:
- Despite uniform abundance, microplastic characteristics vary significantly across global oceanic regions.
- Terrestrial input appears to be a primary source of MP in the Northern Hemisphere, while offshore industries dominate in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Microplastic fibers exhibit greater mobility and long-range transport capabilities than microplastic fragments.
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