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Updated: Jun 18, 2025
Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Antarctic wastewater: A local source of microplastic pollution
Nathalie Bernard1, Lucas A M Ruberto2, François Oberhaensli3
1Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (FFyB UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Radioecology laboratory, Marine Environment Laboratories, International Atomic Energy Agency, Monaco.
Wastewater treatment plants are a significant local source of microplastics (MPs) in Antarctica. Over 90% of these MPs are less than 50 μm, highlighting an urgent need for mitigation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Pollution Control
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global concern, with Antarctica being a sensitive ecosystem.
- MPs in Antarctica can originate locally or be transported via ocean currents and winds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify microplastic pollution from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Antarctica.
- To characterize the types and sizes of microplastics originating from this local source.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of wastewater samples using micro-Raman spectroscopy.
- Identification and quantification of microplastic particles.
Main Results:
- Wastewater treatment plants identified as a novel local source of microplastics in Antarctica.
- MP concentrations ranged from 64 to 159 particles per liter.
- Over 90% of identified MPs were smaller than 50 μm.
- Common polymers found include polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, PTFE, PET, and polystyrene.
Conclusions:
- Wastewater treatment plants represent a significant, previously unrecognized local source of Antarctic microplastic pollution.
- The prevalence of small microplastic particles (<50 μm) necessitates targeted removal technologies.
- Urgent policy and technological interventions are required to mitigate microplastic release from WWTPs.
